Shloka 64
Babhruvāhana Meets a Preta: Vṛṣotsarga, Heirless Death, and the Signs of Preta-Affliction
मामुद्दिश्य नृपे ऽप्यत्राधिकारो ऽत्यनुकम्पया / राजपुत्रो हतः कश्चिन्मयैवाप्तस्ततो मया
māmuddiśya nṛpe 'pyatrādhikāro 'tyanukampayā / rājaputro hataḥ kaścinmayaivāptastato mayā
اے نَرپ! تمہیں پیشِ نظر رکھ کر یہاں بھی عظیم عنایت سے مجھے اختیار عطا ہوا۔ ایک راج پُتر مارا گیا تھا؛ وہ صرف میرے ہی ذریعے حاصل ہوا، پس یہ کام میرے ہی ہاتھ سے ہوا۔
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda; the verse addresses a king within the discourse)
Concept: Adhikāra (entrusted authority) exercised with anukampā (compassion) in matters involving death and protection of dependents.
Vedantic Theme: Kartṛtva-bhāva (sense of agency) within dharma; compassion as sattvic motive that purifies action.
Application: When entrusted with power, act with compassion and accountability, especially in crises involving loss of life or vulnerable persons.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: narratives where a king is instructed to perform rites/dāna for release of a departed soul (contextual parallel)
FAQs
This verse highlights that post-death jurisdiction is not arbitrary; authority is granted purposefully—here, specifically “out of great compassion,” implying a morally ordered administration of outcomes.
By stating that a slain prince was “obtained/brought” under a particular authority, the verse suggests the soul’s transition is overseen and directed by assigned powers, reflecting karmic and compassionate governance.
Act with responsibility and compassion: the verse frames power and decision-making as legitimate only when guided by mercy and ethical intent—an approach applicable to leadership and daily conduct.