Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 17
The Explanation of Various Gifts (Dāna) and the Soul’s Entry into Another Body
नानालोकान् विचरति महिषीञ्च ददाति यः / यमपुत्त्रस्य या माता महिषी सुगतिप्रदा
nānālokān vicarati mahiṣīñca dadāti yaḥ / yamaputtrasya yā mātā mahiṣī sugatipradā
Ang taong matapos mamatay ay naglalakbay sa maraming daigdig—kung ayon sa ritwal ay maihandog ang isang babaeng kalabaw, ang kalabaw na iyon, na itinuturing na ina ng anak ni Yama, ay nagkakaloob ng mabuting paglalakbay at mapalad na hantungan.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue instructing Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Post-death rites during the preta period (commonly within the first days; as per local prayoga)
Concept: Prescribed dāna in funerary context can secure सुगति (good passage) for the departed; ritual objects become metaphysical supports.
Vedantic Theme: Interplay of karma and upāya (means) within dharma; compassionate action by the living assists the subtle journey of the jīva.
Application: Perform prescribed gifts during funerary rites with correct sankalpa for the departed; prioritize sincerity and proper procedure over display.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: cosmic route
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.31.18–20 (offerings to Yamadūtas; water-vessel dāna); Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: descriptions of the preta’s journey and aids (general linkage)
FAQs
This verse states that gifting a mahishī as a prescribed dāna supports the departed who must traverse many realms, and it functions as a su-gati-pradā—an aid for an auspicious passage in the after-death journey.
It implies a post-death movement through multiple lokas (realms). The verse frames specific dāna as a remedial support during this transitional journey associated with Yama’s domain.
Perform post-death rites with sincere charity in the spirit of dharma—supporting cows/animal welfare, feeding the needy, and giving in the departed’s name—so the intention of dāna (compassionate support and merit) is preserved even when literal ritual items are substituted.