Shloka 13
The Destiny of Those Who Die Through Fasting & the Procedure of Udakumbha-dāna
जलपात्राणि वृद्धानि दत्तानिघटकानि च / एका वै वर्धनी तत्र तस्यां पात्रन्तु वंशजम्
jalapātrāṇi vṛddhāni dattānighaṭakāni ca / ekā vai vardhanī tatra tasyāṃ pātrantu vaṃśajam
پرانے آب کے برتن اور دان کیے ہوئے گھڑے بھی نذر کیے جائیں۔ اُن میں ‘وردھنی’ نام کا ایک برتن ہے؛ اس برتن میں اپنے ہی خاندان و نسب سے متعلق مناسب مستحق کو مدّنظر رکھ کر نذر پیش کی جائے۔
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda)
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Within the ongoing preta-śrāddha observances where utensils and offerings are specified
Concept: Use appropriate vessels (including old water pots and donated ghatas); a specific vessel (vardhanī) is singled out, with emphasis on rightful lineage-related beneficiary/recipient alignment.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma as right order in means and ends; saṃbandha (proper relation) as a condition for ritual fruit.
Application: Select clean, appropriate utensils; ensure offerings are directed with correct beneficiary intention (lineage/eligibility), avoiding ritual mismatch.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Type: household ritual logistics (vessels/utensils)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: detailed śrāddha paraphernalia lists; rules about पात्र (worthy recipient) and saṃbandha in rites
FAQs
This verse frames water-vessel donation as a concrete śrāddha-related dāna that supports the preta/pitṛ journey, emphasizing simple, practical gifts tied to sustenance and ritual continuity.
In Preta Kanda, offerings and dāna are presented as aids for the departed; specifying vessels and a proper ‘pātra’ reflects the idea that correct ritual support (right item, right recipient) strengthens the intended post-death benefit.
When performing śrāddha or memorial charity, give useful essentials (like water containers) thoughtfully and to a genuinely suitable recipient, keeping the act aligned with duty, sincerity, and family remembrance.