Shloka 32
Explanation of the Sapiṇḍana Rite; Causes of Pretahood; Viṣṇu Worship and Preta-ghaṭa Dāna
एवं ज्ञात्वा महाराज प्रेतत्वादुद्धरस्व माम् / वर्णानां चापि सर्वेषां राजा बन्धुरिहोच्यते
evaṃ jñātvā mahārāja pretatvāduddharasva mām / varṇānāṃ cāpi sarveṣāṃ rājā bandhurihocyate
Biết như vậy, tâu Đại vương, xin cứu con khỏi cảnh làm preta (vong linh không yên). Quả thật, đối với mọi varṇa, nhà vua được gọi là người thân ở đời này.
A suffering preta (departed spirit) addressing a king
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Concept: Rājadharma: the king is a universal kinsman and protector, responsible for safeguarding subjects’ welfare including ritual order.
Vedantic Theme: Loka-saṅgraha (maintenance of cosmic/social order) through dharma; compassion as a sattvic expression of duty.
Application: Leaders/guardians should ensure vulnerable persons receive proper support for funerary obligations and protection from exploitation; uphold institutions that enable last rites.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: royal court
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: discussions on preta-state causes and remedies; aurdhva-dehika and śrāddha as release mechanisms (nearby sections in Pretakalpa)
FAQs
This verse treats the preta-condition as a distressing post-death state and frames “rescue” as a dharmic responsibility, implying that proper support and righteous governance help prevent or relieve such suffering.
It indicates an intermediate condition—preta-bhāva—where the departed may remain troubled and dependent on aid, suggesting that post-death well-being is connected to dharma and timely assistance.
Support ethical leadership and community responsibility, and when death occurs, follow respectful, tradition-aligned rites and compassionate care for families—treating such duties as part of dharma.