Shloka 64
Gayā-kṣetra and Phalgu Tīrtha: Sites, Rites, and the Liberation of the Pitṛs
एकविंशतिवंश्यान्स तारयेन्नात्र संशयः / यदि पुत्रो गयां गच्छेत्कदाचित्कालपर्यये
ekaviṃśativaṃśyānsa tārayennātra saṃśayaḥ / yadi putro gayāṃ gacchetkadācitkālaparyaye
Người ấy chắc chắn cứu độ hai mươi mốt đời—không còn nghi ngờ—nếu người con trai có dịp đi đến Gayā, khi thời thế cho phép.
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue with Garuḍa)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Ritual Type: Parvana
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: ‘Kadācit kāla-paryaye’—when time/circumstances allow; emphasizes feasibility over immediacy
Concept: Putra-dharma: a son’s undertaking of Gayā pilgrimage/rites is declared sufficient to deliver a broad ancestral line.
Vedantic Theme: Intergenerational karmic linkage within saṃsāra; dharmic action as a means to relieve collective burdens and cultivate sattva.
Application: Plan and prioritize ancestral rites when feasible; if delayed, do not abandon—perform when circumstances permit, with sincerity and proper guidance.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tīrtha-kṣetra
Related Themes: Garuda Purana passages on ‘ekaviṃśati-kula’ uplift through śrāddha/tīrtha; Adjacent 1.83.63 on Gayā rites and 1.83.61 on Gayākūpa piṇḍa
FAQs
This verse states that a son's journey to Gayā (for the prescribed ancestral rites) is considered powerful enough to deliver twenty-one generations of his lineage, underscoring Gayā as a premier pitṛ-tīrtha.
By emphasizing “tārayet” (to ferry across/deliver), the verse frames Gayā-related rites as aiding ancestors in crossing states of post-death limitation and attaining relief—linking ritual action to ancestral upliftment.
If possible, undertake Gayā pilgrimage and perform śrāddha/pinda-dāna with sincerity; if not immediately feasible, plan it “kadācit” (when time permits) while maintaining regular remembrance and ethical living that supports one’s family dharma.