Shloka 57
Babhruvāhana Meets a Preta: Vṛṣotsarga, Heirless Death, and the Signs of Preta-Affliction
वक्ष्यामि पीडास्ता राजन्या वै प्रेतकृता भुवि / ऋतुः स्यादफलः स्त्रीणां यदा वंशो न वर्धते
vakṣyāmi pīḍāstā rājanyā vai pretakṛtā bhuvi / ṛtuḥ syādaphalaḥ strīṇāṃ yadā vaṃśo na vardhate
Ilalarawan ko, O Hari, ang mga paghihirap sa lupa na dulot ng mga Preta. Kapag ang angkan ng pamilya ay hindi dumarami, ang panahon ng pagubunga ng mga kababaihan ay nawawalan ng saysay.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra, with the vocative 'O King')
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Concept: Preta-affliction manifests as obstacles to progeny and continuity; unseen karmic/ritual deficits show as worldly impediments.
Vedantic Theme: Adṛṣṭa karma expressing through prārabdha-like obstacles in saṃsāra; necessity of remedial action within dharma.
Application: If repeated infertility/miscarriage patterns occur, combine compassionate medical care with culturally appropriate family rites and ethical living; avoid blaming individuals.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: household/community
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.9.56: inference by signs; Garuda Purana 2.9.58: further afflictions (early death, livelihood loss, disrespect)
FAQs
This verse frames certain worldly sufferings as arising from preta influence, introducing a diagnostic lens used in the Preta Kanda to motivate proper rites and dharmic conduct.
It states that when the lineage does not grow, a sign can be that women’s ṛtu (fertile cycle) becomes ‘aphala’ (unfruitful), presented here as one expression of preta-kṛta disturbance.
Maintain dharmic living and, where one follows tradition, ensure respectful ancestral observances and family rites; also treat fertility concerns responsibly with ethical action and appropriate guidance.