Shloka 20
Dāna for the Preta: Supreme Gifts, Yama’s Pacification, and Viṣṇu-Smaraṇa at the Time of Death
तस्मिन् काले सुतो यस्तु सर्वदानानि दापयेत् / गयाश्राद्धाद्विशिष्येत स पुत्रः कुलनन्दनः
tasmin kāle suto yastu sarvadānāni dāpayet / gayāśrāddhādviśiṣyeta sa putraḥ kulanandanaḥ
اس وقت جو بیٹا تمام دان شاستروکت طریقے سے دلواتا ہے، وہ گیا‑شرادھ کے پُنّیہ سے بھی بڑھ جاتا ہے؛ ایسا بیٹا ہی خاندان کی خوشی ہے۔
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: ‘Tasmin kāle’—the critical juncture around impending death/transition when rites and dānas must be completed.
Concept: Timely, comprehensive dāna performed under dharma (especially for a parent’s sake) yields extraordinary merit, surpassing famed tīrtha-rites when done at the right time and with right intent.
Vedantic Theme: Karma performed with śraddhā and proper kāla (timing) refines the antaḥkaraṇa; dharma as a support for higher pursuits.
Application: When a parent is nearing death, ensure all obligatory gifts/charities and ritual supports are completed responsibly (food, clothing, dakṣiṇā, support to priests/poor) rather than postponing for later pilgrimages.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa 2.30.19-23 (unit on putra’s duty, dāna, and antyeṣṭi)
FAQs
This verse states that when a son arranges the full set of prescribed dānas at the proper time, that act is considered exceptionally meritorious—so much so that it is said to surpass even the famed Gayā-śrāddha.
In the Preta Kanda context, post-death rites like śrāddha and dāna are presented as supports offered by the living to the departed; the verse emphasizes the son’s role in ensuring these supports are properly carried out, strengthening the departed’s post-mortem welfare.
If you cannot travel for major pilgrimage-rites, prioritize sincere, properly guided śrāddha and meaningful charity in the departed’s name—ensuring it is actually given—while fulfilling family responsibilities with integrity.