Shloka 18
Nakṣatra-Devatā Enumeration and Muhūrta Rules for Travel, Rites, and Yogas
त्रीणि,पूर्वा तथा चैव अधोवक्राः प्रकीर्तिताः? / एषु वापीतडागादिकूपभूमितृणानि च
trīṇi,pūrvā tathā caiva adhovakrāḥ prakīrtitāḥ? / eṣu vāpītaḍāgādikūpabhūmitṛṇāni ca
Tatlo (na uri) ang tinatawag na “silangan”, at ang mga tinaguriang “nakayukong pababa” ay inilalarawan din. Kabilang dito ang mga balon, lawa at imbakan ng tubig, gayundin ang iba pang hukay, mga piraso ng lupa, at mga damo.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Cosmic classifications (directional/astral) are applied to earthly undertakings like identifying or evaluating sites (wells, ponds, pits, grasses/ground).
Vedantic Theme: Correspondence between macrocosm and microcosm (loka–piṇḍa-sāmya) as a practical heuristic within dharmic life.
Application: When selecting or evaluating land/water sites for use or excavation, consider traditional directional/astral categories described in the surrounding jyotiṣa/vaastu context.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: waterworks and land features
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.59.19 (digging/entering pits and related acts)
FAQs
This verse groups water-sources and ground features as recognized categories, indicating that specific places (like wells, ponds, tanks, and land patches) are considered significant in ritual classification and observances connected with preta-related contexts.
In the Preta Kanda, such classifications often support the broader framework of post-death rites and the environment connected with preta states; here the focus is on enumerating recognized kinds of places/features rather than narrating a specific stage of travel.
When performing śrāddha or remembrance rites, treat water bodies and the ritual site with purity and care—maintaining cleanliness and reverence for wells/ponds/ground used for offerings aligns with the text’s emphasis on properly recognized places.