Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 40
Dharma–Adharma Marks; Daśāha, Piṇḍa Formation, Śrāddha Calendar, Śayyā-dāna, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa Rules
न भवेत् यदा स गोत्रो परो ऽपि विधिमाचरेत् / भार्या वा पुरुषः कश्चित् तुष्टश्च कुरुते स्त्रियः
na bhavet yadā sa gotro paro 'pi vidhimācaret / bhāryā vā puruṣaḥ kaścit tuṣṭaśca kurute striyaḥ
Dù thuộc cùng một gotra hay thuộc gotra khác, hễ ai hành trì đúng theo pháp nghi đã định thì không có lỗi. Dù là người vợ hay một người đàn ông nào, nếu lòng hoan hỷ và cư xử đúng mực với phụ nữ, đều hợp với nghi lễ.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Concept: Adhikāra (eligibility) and anāpatti (absence of fault) depend on following vidhi; participation may extend beyond same gotra; proper conduct toward women within the rite is affirmed.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma as order sustaining harmony; intention and correct action reduce doṣa and support sattva.
Application: When the primary performer is unavailable, another qualified person (even outside gotra) may perform if rules are followed; ensure respectful, proper conduct and consent/appropriateness in roles involving women.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Type: gṛha/śrāddha setting
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: rules on who may perform śrāddha when sons/agnates absent; emphasis on vidhi over mere relation in emergencies
FAQs
This verse emphasizes that adherence to the prescribed injunction is what determines correctness; when vidhi is properly observed, the act is not considered faulty even across lineage distinctions.
It frames gotra-based concerns as secondary to correct observance of dharma/ritual procedure, indicating that propriety is grounded in vidhi rather than mere lineage identity.
Prioritize principled conduct and correct procedure over identity-based disputes; ensure actions—especially those involving women—are done respectfully and in line with ethical rules.