Shloka 88
An exposition on the fruits of charity and on entry into a body
Garbhotpatti, Piṇḍa-śarīra, and Antya-kāla-kriyā
प्रागुदक्शिरसं वापि मुखे स्वर्णं विनिः क्षेपेत् / शालग्रामशिला तत्र तुलसी च खगेश्वर
prāgudakśirasaṃ vāpi mukhe svarṇaṃ viniḥ kṣepet / śālagrāmaśilā tatra tulasī ca khageśvara
اے خگیشور گرُڑ! مرنے والے شخص کو اس طرح لٹاؤ کہ سر مشرق یا شمال کی طرف ہو، پھر اس کے منہ میں سونا رکھو؛ اور وہیں شالگرام شِلا اور تُلسی بھی رکھو۔
Lord Vishnu (addressing Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Antima-smṛti is strengthened by Viṣṇu-sambandha (Śālagrāma, tulasī) and auspicious saṃskāra at the threshold of death.
Vedantic Theme: Antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi and smṛti at antima-kāla as a support for gati; vairāgya is implied by preparing to depart.
Application: At end-of-life, orient the body east/north if possible; place tulasī and (traditionally) Śālagrāma near/with the person; keep the mind on Viṣṇu rather than fear.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: domestic/ritual space
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.32.89-92 (ghee lamp, japa, worship, charity, detachment); Garuda Purana Pretakalpa themes: antima-smṛti, viṣṇu-nāma, dāna at death
FAQs
This verse prescribes placing gold in the mouth as part of death-bed/last-moment rites, a sanctifying offering intended to support auspicious passage at death.
By emphasizing correct orientation (east or north) and Viṣṇu-linked sanctifiers (Śālagrāma and tulasī), it frames the moment of death as spiritually directed and protected, aiding a favorable transition into the post-death journey described in the Preta Kanda.
If following tradition under qualified guidance, keep the dying person oriented east/north when feasible and remember Viṣṇu with tulasī/Śālagrāma as devotional supports; more broadly, cultivate remembrance of dharma and devotion so the final moment is steady and sacred.