Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 10
Preta-mārga Supports (Dāna), Chitragupta’s Accounting, and the Enumeration of Narakas
शय्यादानाद्बिमानस्थो याति स्वर्गेषु मानवः / तदह्नि दीयते सर्वं द्वादशाहे विशेषतः
śayyādānādbimānastho yāti svargeṣu mānavaḥ / tadahni dīyate sarvaṃ dvādaśāhe viśeṣataḥ
Sa pag-aalay ng higaan (śayyā-dāna), ang tao ay umaakyat na nakaupo sa vimāna, ang sasakyang makalangit, at nararating ang mga daigdig ng langit. Ang mga handog na ito ay maaaring ibigay sa araw ding iyon, at lalo na dapat bigyang-diin sa mga ritwal ng labindalawang araw (dvādaśāha).
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Svarga
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Dvādaśāha (12th day) especially; also permissible ‘that day’ within the rite sequence
Concept: Śayyā-dāna yields elevated post-mortem experience (vimāna, svarga); correct timing within the twelve-day rites intensifies efficacy.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-phala as structured causality; ritual timing (kāla) as a conditioner of merit within dharmic action.
Application: In śrāddha contexts, offer comfort-related charity (bed/bedding/blankets) on the prescribed day, especially during dvādaśāha, with dedication to the departed.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: otherworld realm
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: dvādaśāha rites and associated dānas (general); Garuda Purana: svarga/naraka karmic results (general)
FAQs
This verse states that śayyā-dāna yields the merit of reaching heavenly realms as if carried in a vimāna, highlighting it as a potent charitable act within post-death ritual contexts.
It links ritual charity (dāna) performed for the deceased with auspicious post-mortem outcomes—symbolized by ascent in a celestial chariot—indicating that supportive rites and gifts are believed to aid the onward journey.
Perform charity in memory of the departed—especially during the first twelve days—by donating useful resting items (like a bed or bedding) or supporting shelters, while keeping the intent compassionate and dharmic.