Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 36
Santaptaka’s Encounter with Five Pretas and Their Liberation through Viṣṇu’s Presence
ते विवर्णमुखाः सर्वे तं द्विजञ्च शवं तथा / एकैकं हस्तपादैश्च गृहीत्वा युद्धमारभन्
te vivarṇamukhāḥ sarve taṃ dvijañca śavaṃ tathā / ekaikaṃ hastapādaiśca gṛhītvā yuddhamārabhan
Tất cả bọn chúng, mặt mày tái nhợt, liền nắm lấy vị brāhmaṇa ấy và cả thi thể nữa—mỗi tên túm một tay hay một chân—rồi bắt đầu giao chiến.
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda/Vinata-putra in the Garuda Purana dialogue frame)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Concept: Preta-aggression reflects unresolved craving/karma; attachment to the corpse and violence arise from post-mortem instability.
Vedantic Theme: Preta-state as a product of vāsanā and avidyā; grasping (grahaṇa) symbolizes clinging to the gross.
Application: Address unresolved attachments and harmful impulses early (through ethical living and rites), reducing ‘haunting’ patterns in life and mind.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.7.37 (tearing attack); Garuda Purana Pretakalpa themes on preta-lakṣaṇa and causes (general)
FAQs
This verse highlights how the dead body can become a point of contention and disturbance, underscoring why proper antyeṣṭi (funeral rites) and śrāddha are emphasized to prevent unrest in the post-death transition.
It depicts chaotic, fearful circumstances surrounding the deceased—suggesting that the post-death phase (preta-state) can involve conflict and instability, reinforcing the Purana’s broader teaching that ritual order and dharma support a smoother journey toward Yama’s realm.
Perform death rites respectfully and on time, avoid disputes around funerary matters, and support ethical living (dharma) so that one’s end-of-life transition is approached with clarity rather than turmoil.