Shloka 16
Veṅkaṭeśa-Māhātmya: Varāha Prelude, Descent of Śeṣācala, Svāmipuṣkariṇī and the Network of Tīrthas
with Dāna-Lakṣaṇas
न तारकोहं नरकाच्च सुभ्रूर्न वै भर्ता नापि पित्रादयश्च / न वै माता नानुजादिश्च सर्वः सर्वत्राता विष्णुरतो न चान्यः
na tārakohaṃ narakācca subhrūrna vai bhartā nāpi pitrādayaśca / na vai mātā nānujādiśca sarvaḥ sarvatrātā viṣṇurato na cānyaḥ
Hỡi người có hàng mày thanh tú, ta không phải là đấng cứu khỏi địa ngục; cũng không phải vợ hay chồng, cũng chẳng phải cha và các thân quyến. Mẹ, em trai và mọi người khác—không ai là đấng cứu hộ khắp nơi. Chỉ riêng Viṣṇu là Đấng Hộ Trì muôn loài; ngoài Ngài không có ai khác.
Lord Vishnu (teaching Garuda/Vinata-putra in the Garuda Purana dialogue frame)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Concept: Ananya-sharanagati: no relative can rescue from hell; Vishnu alone is sarva-trata (universal protector).
Vedantic Theme: Ishvara-sharanagati and the limitation of laukika-bandha; dependence on the Supreme rather than contingent relations.
Application: Cultivate exclusive reliance on Vishnu through daily prayer and remembrance, especially in fear of moral downfall; reduce attachment-based expectations from family as ultimate saviors.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: emphasis on Vishnu-nama as refuge and on the helplessness of kin at death (general theme)
FAQs
This verse states that no family relationship can ultimately rescue a being from naraka; only Vishnu is described as the universal protector, making divine refuge the decisive spiritual support.
It emphasizes that at critical post-death consequences (like falling into naraka), worldly relations cannot intervene; the soul’s protection is linked to reliance on Vishnu—i.e., one’s devotion and dharmic alignment rather than social ties.
Cultivate daily dharma and devotion (smरण/remembering Vishnu, ethical conduct, charity), and reduce over-dependence on worldly security by prioritizing spiritual practice as the true safeguard.