Shloka 76
Santaptaka’s Encounter with Five Pretas and Their Liberation through Viṣṇu’s Presence
तत्सर्वं तत्त्वतो ज्ञात्वा पित्रो रोधमकारयम् / शून्यमन्दिर एकस्मिन्बद्ध्वा तु निगडैर्दृढैः
tatsarvaṃ tattvato jñātvā pitro rodhamakārayam / śūnyamandira ekasminbaddhvā tu nigaḍairdṛḍhaiḥ
ครั้นรู้ความจริงทั้งหมดแล้ว ข้าพเจ้าให้กักขังบิดาของตน; และมัดด้วยโซ่ตรวนอันมั่นคงไว้ในเรือนร้างแห่งหนึ่ง।
Narrator within the Garuda Purana dialogue (Vishnu speaking to Garuda, recounting an illustrative episode)
Concept: Violence and coercion against one’s father is grave adharma leading to severe karmic consequence.
Vedantic Theme: Tamas-driven action (krūra-karma) deepens bondage; violation of guru/parent reverence obstructs sattva and right knowledge.
Application: Never resort to abuse or confinement of elders; seek lawful, compassionate resolution and care structures.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Type: abandoned dwelling
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: repeated emphasis on pitṛ-sevā and consequences of pitṛ-droha; Pretakalpa narratives where cruelty to parents yields preta/naraka outcomes
FAQs
This verse uses confinement and fetters as a concrete image of restraint imposed after realizing the truth of a situation, reflecting how actions can lead to binding consequences and corrective control.
By emphasizing firm bondage and enforced restraint, it echoes the Purana’s broader teaching that karmic deeds can bind the jiva and lead to punitive or corrective experiences after death until rectification occurs.
Act after clear discernment (tattvataḥ), avoid wrongdoing that creates “bondage,” and practice self-restraint and ethical correction before consequences harden into suffering.