Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 72
Dāna as Prāyaścitta; Deathbed Gifts; Antyeṣṭi Procedures; Nārāyaṇa-bali for Untimely Deaths
कुरुध्वमित्येव वदेच्छतवर्षावरे मृते / पुत्राद्या वृद्धपूर्वास्ते एकवस्त्राः शिखां विना
kurudhvamityeva vadecchatavarṣāvare mṛte / putrādyā vṛddhapūrvāste ekavastrāḥ śikhāṃ vinā
Khi một người qua đời sau khi tròn một trăm tuổi, chỉ nên nói đơn giản: “Hãy làm lễ.” Khi ấy, các con trai và những thân quyến khác—bắt đầu từ người trưởng—phải thực hành nghi thức, chỉ mặc một y phục và không để śikhā (chỏm tóc).
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda)
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Immediately upon death (special mention: death after completing 100 years).
Concept: Antyeṣṭi and post-death observances are to be undertaken promptly and with austerity; exceptional protocol for death after a full lifespan.
Vedantic Theme: Anityatā (impermanence) and vairāgya expressed through simplified, restrained conduct.
Application: In bereavement, prioritize timely rites and disciplined simplicity; reduce display and maintain ritual focus.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: antyeṣṭi-vidhi and śrāddha preliminaries (adjacent verses in 2.4); Garuda Purana: prācīnāvīta, mauna, tila-jala offerings in subsequent verses 2.4.73–76
FAQs
This verse indicates a distinct, simplified instruction—“perform the rites”—and specifies a particular mode of observance for the family, marking the death of a centenarian as ritually distinguished.
By directing immediate performance of the prescribed rites by the family, the verse supports the broader Preta Kanda framework where correct post-death observances aid the departed’s transition and reduce impediments in the post-mortem journey.
Follow the appropriate funeral and post-funeral rites as guided by one’s tradition and qualified priests, and maintain disciplined, simple mourning conduct—prioritizing timely ritual duty and respectful restraint.