The Path to Yama's Realm, Retold

Verse 1 (garuda.2.15.1)

गरुड उवाच । भगवन्ब्रूहि मे सर्वं यमलोकस्य निर्णयम् । जन्तोः प्रयाणमारभ्य माहात्म्यं वर्त्मविस्तरम्

garuḍa uvāca | bhagavanbrūhi me sarvaṁ yamalokasya nirṇayam | jantoḥ prayāṇamārabhya māhātmyaṁ vartmavistaram

Garuda said: O Lord, tell me the complete account of the realm of Yama — beginning from the being's departure, the full extent of the glory of that path.

Verse 2 (garuda.2.15.2)

श्रीभगवानुवाच । शृणु तार्क्ष्य प्रवक्ष्यामि यममार्गस्य निर्णयम् । प्रयाणकानि सर्वाणि नगराणि च षोडश

śrībhagavānuvāca | śṛṇu tārkṣya pravakṣyāmi yamamārgasya nirṇayam | prayāṇakāni sarvāṇi nagarāṇi ca ṣoḍaśa

The Blessed Lord said: O Tarkshya, hear, I shall tell the account of the path to Yama — every stage of the journey, and the sixteen cities.

Verse 3 (garuda.2.15.3)

षाडशीतिसहस्राणि योजनानां प्रमाणतः । यमलोकस्य चोर्ध्वं वै अन्तरा मानुषस्य च

ṣāḍaśītisahasrāṇi yojanānāṁ pramāṇataḥ | yamalokasya cordhvaṁ vai antarā mānuṣasya ca

The distance between the world of Yama and the world of men measures eighty-six thousand yojanas, in the upward direction.

Verse 4 (garuda.2.15.4)

कुकृतं दुष्कृतं वापि भुक्त्वा लोके यथार्जितम् । कर्मयोगाद्यदा कश्चिद्व्याधिरुत्पद्यते खग

kukṛtaṁ duṣkṛtaṁ vāpi bhuktvā loke yathārjitam | karmayogādyadā kaścidvyādhirutpadyate khaga

Having experienced, in this world, the good and evil deeds one has amassed, when, through the workings of karma, some ailment arises, O bird,

Verse 5 (garuda.2.15.5)

निमित्तमात्रं सर्वेषां कृतकर्मानुसारतः । यस्य यो विहितो मृत्युः स तं ध्रुवमवाप्नुयात्

nimittamātraṁ sarveṣāṁ kṛtakarmānusārataḥ | yasya yo vihito mṛtyuḥ sa taṁ dhruvamavāpnuyāt

this is, for all, merely the proximate occasion, in keeping with each one's own accumulated deeds. Whatever death is ordained for each, that alone he certainly attains.

Verse 6 (garuda.2.15.6)

कर्मयोगाद्यदा देही मुञ्चत्यत्र निजं वपुः । तदा भूमिगतं कुर्याद्गोमयेनोपलिप्य च

karmayogādyadā dehī muñcatyatra nijaṁ vapuḥ | tadā bhūmigataṁ kuryādgomayenopalipya ca

When, through the working of karma, the embodied soul abandons its body here, it should be laid upon the ground, plastered with cow-dung,

Verse 7 (garuda.2.15.7)

तिलान्दर्भान्विकीर्याथ मुखे स्वर्णं विनिः क्षिपेत् । तुलसींसन्निधौ कृत्वा शालग्रामशिलां तथा

tilāndarbhānvikīryātha mukhe svarṇaṁ viniḥ kṣipet | tulasīṁsannidhau kṛtvā śālagrāmaśilāṁ tathā

with sesame and kusha grass scattered, and gold placed in the mouth. Tulasi should be placed nearby, and likewise a shalagrama stone,

Verse 8 (garuda.2.15.8)

सेतु (एवं) सामादिसूक्तैस्तु मरणं मुक्तिदायकम् । शलाकास्वर्णविक्षपैः प्रतप्राणिगृहेषुच

setu (evaṁ) sāmādisūktaistu maraṇaṁ muktidāyakam | śalākāsvarṇavikṣapaiḥ prataprāṇigṛheṣuca

and thus, with the Sama hymns and the rest, such a death becomes a bestower of liberation. In the house of the suffering, dying one, small bits of gold should be apportioned thus —

Verse 9 (garuda.2.15.9)

एका वक्त्रे तु दातव्या घ्राणयुग्मे तथा पुनः । अक्ष्णोश्च कर्णयोश्चैव द्वेद्वे देये यथाक्रमम्

ekā vaktre tu dātavyā ghrāṇayugme tathā punaḥ | akṣṇośca karṇayoścaiva dvedve deye yathākramam

one should be given at the mouth, then also at the two nostrils; two each should likewise be given at the eyes and at the ears.

Verse 10 (garuda.2.15.10)

अथ लिङ्गे तथा चैका त्वेकां ब्रह्माण्डकेक्षिपेत् । करयुग्मे च कण्ठे च तुलसीं च प्रदापयेत्

atha liṁge tathā caikā tvekāṁ brahmāṇḍakekṣipet | karayugme ca kaṇṭhe ca tulasīṁ ca pradāpayet

Then one at the male organ, and one at the crown of the head, the brahmarandhra; at both hands and at the throat as well, and tulasi too should be offered.

Verse 11 (garuda.2.15.11)

वस्त्रयुग्मं च दातव्यं कङ्कुमैश्चाक्षतैर्यजेत् । पुष्पमालायुतं कुर्यादन्यद्वारेण सन्नयेत्

vastrayugmaṁ ca dātavyaṁ kaṁkumaiścākṣatairyajet | puṣpamālāyutaṁ kuryādanyadvāreṇa sannayet

Two garments should be given, and worship performed with saffron and unbroken rice. A garland of flowers should be offered as well, and the body carried out through a different door.

Verse 12 (garuda.2.15.12)

पुत्रस्तु बान्धवैः सार्धं विप्रस्तु पुरवासिभिः । पितुः प्रेतं स्वयं पुत्रः स्कन्धमारोप्य बान्धवैः

putrastu bāndhavaiḥ sārdhaṁ viprastu puravāsibhiḥ | pituḥ pretaṁ svayaṁ putraḥ skandhamāropya bāndhavaiḥ

The son should go together with his kinsmen, and, for a brahmin, together with his fellow townsfolk. The son himself should raise his father's body upon his shoulder, together with his kinsmen,

Verse 13 (garuda.2.15.13)

गत्वा श्मशानदेशे तु प्राड्मुखश्चोत्तरामुखम् । अदग्धपूर्वा या भूमिश्चितां तत्रैव कारयेत्

gatvā śmaśānadeśe tu prāḍmukhaścottarāmukham | adagdhapūrvā yā bhūmiścitāṁ tatraiva kārayet

and, going to the cremation ground, facing east, [set the corpse down] facing north. On ground that has never before been used for cremation, the pyre should be made,

Verse 14 (garuda.2.15.14)

श्रीखण्डतुलसीकाष्ठसमित्पालाशसंभृताम् । विकलेन्द्रियसङ्घाते चैतन्ये जडतां गते

śrīkhaṇḍatulasīkāṣṭhasamitpālāśasaṁbhṛtām | vikalendriyasaṁghāte caitanye jaḍatāṁ gate

built from sandalwood, tulasi-wood, sacrificial sticks, and palasha wood. Once the mass of the senses grows disordered, and consciousness sinks into insensibility,

Verse 15 (garuda.2.15.15)

प्रचलन्ति ततः प्राणा याम्यैर्निकटवर्तिभिः । एकीभूतं जगत्पश्येद्दैवी दृष्टिः प्रजायते

pracalanti tataḥ prāṇā yāmyairnikaṭavartibhiḥ | ekībhūtaṁ jagatpaśyeddaivī dṛṣṭiḥ prajāyate

then the vital breaths begin to be drawn out by the messengers of Yama standing near. The dying man begins to see the whole universe as one; a divine sight arises within him.

Verse 16 (garuda.2.15.16)

बीभत्सं दारुणं रूपं प्रणैः कण्ठं समाश्रितैः । फेनमुद्गिरते कोपि मुखं लालाकुलं भवेत्

bībhatsaṁ dāruṇaṁ rūpaṁ praṇaiḥ kaṇṭhaṁ samāśritaiḥ | phenamudgirate kopi mukhaṁ lālākulaṁ bhavet

As the breath sticks in the throat, the appearance becomes ghastly and terrible; some begin to foam at the mouth, their faces filling with spittle.

Verse 17 (garuda.2.15.17)

दुरात्मानश्च ताड्यन्ते किङ्करैः पाशबन्धनैः । सुखेन कृतिनस्तत्र नीयन्ते नाकनायकैः

durātmānaśca tāḍyante kiṁkaraiḥ pāśabandhanaiḥ | sukhena kṛtinastatra nīyante nākanāyakaiḥ

The wicked-souled are beaten by Yama's servants, bound in nooses. Those of virtuous deeds are led away comfortably there by the leaders of heaven.

Verse 18 (garuda.2.15.18)

दुः खेन पापिनो यान्ति यममार्गे च दुर्गमे । यमश्चतुर्भुजो भूत्वा शङ्खचक्रगदादिभृत्

duḥ khena pāpino yānti yamamārge ca durgame | yamaścaturbhujo bhūtvā śaṁkhacakragadādibhṛt

Sinners proceed with suffering along that impassable path to Yama. Yama, taking a four-armed form, bearing conch, discus, mace, and the rest,

Verse 19 (garuda.2.15.19)

पुण्यकर्मरतान्सम्यक्शुभान्मित्रवदाचरेत् । आहूय पापिनः सर्वान्यमो दण्डेन रज्जयेत्

puṇyakarmaratānsamyakśubhānmitravadācaret | āhūya pāpinaḥ sarvānyamo daṇḍena rajjayet

behaves toward those devoted to meritorious deeds, the virtuous, as a friend. Summoning all the sinners, Yama binds them with his rod.

Verse 20 (garuda.2.15.20)

प्रलयाम्बुदनिर्घोषस्त्वञ्जनाद्रिसमप्रभः । महिषस्थो दुराराध्यो विद्युत्तेजः समद्युतिः

pralayāmbudanirghoṣastvañjanādrisamaprabhaḥ | mahiṣastho durārādhyo vidyuttejaḥ samadyutiḥ

His voice roars like the thunderclouds of dissolution; his hue is dark as the mountain of collyrium; mounted upon a buffalo, exceedingly hard to appease, his splendor blazes like lightning,

Verse 21 (garuda.2.15.21)

योजनत्रयविस्तारदेहो रौद्रोऽतिभीषणः । लोहदण्डधरो भीमः पाशपाणिर्दुराकृतिः

yojanatrayavistāradeho raudro'tibhīṣaṇaḥ | lohadaṇḍadharo bhīmaḥ pāśapāṇirdurākṛtiḥ

his body spans three yojanas in extent, most terrible and dreadful; bearing an iron rod, fearsome, a noose in hand, hideous of form,

Verse 22 (garuda.2.15.22)

वक्रनेत्रोऽतिभयदो दर्शनं याति पापिनाम् । अङ्गुष्ठमात्रः पुरुषो हाहा कुर्वन् कलेवरात्

vakranetro'tibhayado darśanaṁ yāti pāpinām | aṁguṣṭhamātraḥ puruṣo hāhā kurvan kalevarāt

his eyes crooked, most fearsome — thus does he grant sinners his sight. That being, the size of a thumb, crying 'ha ha' from within his very body,

Verse 23 (garuda.2.15.23)

तदैव नीयते दूतैर्याम्यैर्वोक्षन्स्वकं गृहम् । निर्विचेष्टं शरीरं तु प्राणैर्मुक्तं जुगुप्सितम्

tadaiva nīyate dūtairyāmyairvokṣansvakaṁ gṛham | nirviceṣṭaṁ śarīraṁ tu prāṇairmuktaṁ jugupsitam

is at that very instant carried far from his own home by Yama's servants. Freed of the vital breaths, the motionless body becomes repugnant,

Verse 24 (garuda.2.15.24)

अस्पृश्यं जायते तूर्णं दुर्गन्धं सर्वनिन्दितम् । त्रिधावस्था हि देहस्य कृमिविड्मस्मसंज्ञिता

aspṛśyaṁ jāyate tūrṇaṁ durgandhaṁ sarvaninditam | tridhāvasthā hi dehasya kṛmiviḍmasmasaṁjñitā

at once becoming untouchable, foul-smelling, wholly abhorrent. The body has three fates, called worm, excrement, and ash.

Verse 25 (garuda.2.15.25)

को गर्वः क्रियते तार्क्ष्य क्षणविध्वंसिभिर्नरैः । दानं वित्तादृता वाचः कीर्तिधर्मौ तथायुषः

ko garvaḥ kriyate tārkṣya kṣaṇavidhvaṁsibhirnaraiḥ | dānaṁ vittādṛtā vācaḥ kīrtidharmau tathāyuṣaḥ

O Tarkshya, what pride, then, should such momentary men take in anything? A gift given from wealth, words of renown spoken, dharma and lifespan —

Verse 26 (garuda.2.15.26)

परोपकरणं कायादसतः सारमुद्धृतम् । तस्यैवं नीयमानस्य दूताः सन्तर्जयन्ति हि

paropakaraṇaṁ kāyādasataḥ sāramuddhṛtam | tasyaivaṁ nīyamānasya dūtāḥ santarjayanti hi

whatever service to others is rendered through the body — that alone is the essence extracted from this unreal existence. As he is thus led away, the messengers of Yama rebuke him,

Verse 27 (garuda.2.15.27)

दर्शयन्तो भयं तीव्रं नरकाय पुनः पुनः । शीघ्रं प्रचल दुष्टात्मन् गतोऽसित्वं यमालये

darśayanto bhayaṁ tīvraṁ narakāya punaḥ punaḥ | śīghraṁ pracala duṣṭātman gato'sitvaṁ yamālaye

displaying again and again the terrible fear of hell — 'O wicked one, move quickly, you have already gone to the world of Yama;

Verse 28 (garuda.2.15.28)

कुंभीपाकादिनरकांस्त्वां नेष्यामश्च मा चिरम् । एवं वाचस्तदा शृण्वन्बन्धूनां रुदितं तथा

kuṁbhīpākādinarakāṁstvāṁ neṣyāmaśca mā ciram | evaṁ vācastadā śṛṇvanbandhūnāṁ ruditaṁ tathā

now we shall lead you to the hells beginning with Kumbhipaka, delay no more.' Hearing such words, and hearing too the wailing of his own kinsmen,

Verse 29 (garuda.2.15.29)

उच्चैर्हाहेति विलपन्नीयते यमकिङ्करैः । स्थाने श्राद्धं प्रकुर्वीत तथा चेकादशेऽहनि

uccairhāheti vilapannīyate yamakiṁkaraiḥ | sthāne śrāddhaṁ prakurvīta tathā cekādaśe'hani

crying out 'alas, alas', he is carried off by Yama's servants. A shraddha should be performed at that place of death, and likewise on the eleventh day,

Verse 30 (garuda.2.15.30)

मृस्योत्क्रान्तिसमयात्षट्पिण्डान्क्रमशो ददेत् । मृतस्थाने तथा द्वारे चत्वरे तार्क्ष्य कारणात्

mṛsyotkrāntisamayātṣaṭpiṇḍānkramaśo dadet | mṛtasthāne tathā dvāre catvare tārkṣya kāraṇāt

and from the very moment of death's onset, six pindas should be given in order — at the place of death, at the door, at the crossroads, O Tarkshya, for a reason,

Verse 31 (garuda.2.15.31)

विश्रामे काष्ठचयने तथा सञ्चयने च षट् । शृणु तत्कारणं तार्क्ष्य षट्पिण्डपरिकल्पने

viśrāme kāṣṭhacayane tathā sañcayane ca ṣaṭ | śṛṇu tatkāraṇaṁ tārkṣya ṣaṭpiṇḍaparikalpane

at the resting-place, at the place of gathering wood, and at the place of bone-gathering as well — six in all. O Tarkshya, hear the reason for this arrangement of six pindas.

Verse 32 (garuda.2.15.32)

मृतस्थाने शवो नाम तेन नाम्ना प्रदीयते । तेन दत्तेन तृप्यन्ति गृहवास्त्वधिदेवताः

mṛtasthāne śavo nāma tena nāmnā pradīyate | tena dattena tṛpyanti gṛhavāstvadhidevatāḥ

The place of death is known by the name 'shava'; therefore the pinda is given under that name. By its giving, the presiding deity of the household's site is satisfied.

Verse 33 (garuda.2.15.33)

तेन भूमिर्भवेत्तुष्टातदधिष्ठातृदेवता । द्वारे तु पिण्डं देयं च पान्थमित्यभिधाय तु

tena bhūmirbhavettuṣṭātadadhiṣṭhātṛdevatā | dvāre tu piṇḍaṁ deyaṁ ca pānthamityabhidhāya tu

By it, the earth too becomes content, and its presiding deity as well. At the door, the pinda should be given, addressed by the name 'pathika',

Verse 34 (garuda.2.15.34)

दत्तेन तेन प्रीणन्ति द्वारस्था गृहदेवताः । चत्वरे खेचरो नाम तमुद्दिश्य प्रदापयेत्

dattena tena prīṇanti dvārasthā gṛhadevatāḥ | catvare khecaro nāma tamuddiśya pradāpayet

and by its giving, the household deity dwelling at the door is gladdened. At the crossroads, under the name 'khechara', it should be dedicated and given,

Verse 35 (garuda.2.15.35)

न चोपघातं कुर्वन्ति भूताद्या देवयोनयः । विश्रामे भूतसंज्ञोऽयं तेन तत्र प्रदापयेत्

na copaghātaṁ kurvanti bhūtādyā devayonayaḥ | viśrāme bhūtasaṁjño'yaṁ tena tatra pradāpayet

by which spirits and similar divine species cause no harm. At the resting-place, it is called by the name 'bhuta', therefore it should be given there.

Verse 36 (garuda.2.15.36)

पिशाचा राक्षसा यक्षा ये चान्ये दिशि वासिनः । तस्य होतव्यदेहस्यनैवायोग्यत्वकारकाः

piśācā rākṣasā yakṣā ye cānye diśi vāsinaḥ | tasya hotavyadehasyanaivāyogyatvakārakāḥ

Pishachas, rakshasas, yakshas, and others who dwell in the directions do not cause any unfitness for that body which is to be offered.

Verse 37 (garuda.2.15.37)

चितापिण्ढप्रभृतितः प्रेतत्वमुपजायते । चितायां साधकं नाम वदन्त्येके खगेश्वर

citāpiṇḍhaprabhṛtitaḥ pretatvamupajāyate | citāyāṁ sādhakaṁ nāma vadantyeke khageśvara

It is from the pinda offered upon the pyre, and the rest, that the state of a preta arises. Some, O lord of birds, call the offering upon the pyre by the name 'sadhaka';

Verse 38 (garuda.2.15.38)

केचित्तं प्रेतमेवाहुर्यथा कल्पविदो बुधाः । तदादि तत्रतत्रापि प्रेतनाम्ना प्रदीयते

kecittaṁ pretamevāhuryathā kalpavido budhāḥ | tadādi tatratatrāpi pretanāmnā pradīyate

some, as the learned versed in ritual science declare, call it simply 'preta'. From that point onward, everywhere, the pinda is given under the name 'preta'.

Verse 39 (garuda.2.15.39)

इत्येवं पञ्चभिः पिण्डैः शवस्याहुतियोग्यता । अन्यथा चोपघाताय पूर्वोक्तास्ते भवन्ति हि

ityevaṁ pañcabhiḥ piṇḍaiḥ śavasyāhutiyogyatā | anyathā copaghātāya pūrvoktāste bhavanti hi

Thus, by these five pindas, the corpse becomes fit for its offering; otherwise, those previously mentioned species arise only to cause harm.

Verse 40 (garuda.2.15.40)

उत्क्रामे प्रथमं पिण्डं तथा चार्धपयेपि च । चितायां तु तृतीयं स्यात्त्रयः पिण्डाश्च कल्पिताः

utkrāme prathamaṁ piṇḍaṁ tathā cārdhapayepi ca | citāyāṁ tu tṛtīyaṁ syāttrayaḥ piṇḍāśca kalpitāḥ

At the moment of death's onset, the first pinda; then at the midpoint of the journey, the second; upon the pyre, the third — thus three pindas are prescribed.

Verse 41 (garuda.2.15.41)

विधाता प्रथमे पिण्डे द्वितीये गरुडध्वजः । तृतीये यमदूताश्च प्रयोगः परिकीर्तितः

vidhātā prathame piṇḍe dvitīye garuḍadhvajaḥ | tṛtīye yamadūtāśca prayogaḥ parikīrtitaḥ

In the first pinda, the invocation of Vidhata (the Creator) is prescribed; in the second, of the bearer of the Garuda-banner [Vishnu]; in the third, of Yama's servants.

Verse 42 (garuda.2.15.42)

दत्ते तृतीये पिण्डेऽस्मिन्देहदोषैः प्रमुच्यते । आधारभूतजीवश्चज्वलनैर्ज्वालयेच्चिताम्

datte tṛtīye piṇḍe'smindehadoṣaiḥ pramucyate | ādhārabhūtajīvaścajvalanairjvālayeccitām

Once this third pinda is given, the soul is freed from the faults of the body. For the sake of the soul, the underlying support, the pyre should be kindled with fire.

Verse 43 (garuda.2.15.43)

संमृज्य चोपलिप्याथ उल्लिख्योद्धृत्य वेदिकाम् । अभ्युक्ष्योपसमाधाय वह्निं तत्रः विधानतः

saṁmṛjya copalipyātha ullikhyoddhṛtya vedikām | abhyukṣyopasamādhāya vahniṁ tatraḥ vidhānataḥ

Having swept the altar clean, plastered it, scraped it, cleared away the earth, sprinkled it with water, and duly established the fire there,

Verse 44 (garuda.2.15.44)

पुष्पाक्षतैश्च सम्पूज्य देवं क्रव्यादसंज्ञकम् । त्वं भूतकृज्जगद्योने त्वं लोकपरिपालकः

puṣpākṣataiśca sampūjya devaṁ kravyādasaṁjñakam | tvaṁ bhūtakṛjjagadyone tvaṁ lokaparipālakaḥ

and worshipping with flowers and unbroken rice the deity called Kravyada — 'You are the creator of beings, the source of the world, you are the guardian of the worlds —

Verse 45 (garuda.2.15.45)

उपसंहारकस्तस्मादेनं स्वर्गं मृतं नय । इति क्रव्यादमभ्यर्च्य शरीराहुतिमाचरेत्

upasaṁhārakastasmādenaṁ svargaṁ mṛtaṁ naya | iti kravyādamabhyarcya śarīrāhutimācaret

therefore gather this one up, and lead this dead one to heaven' — thus, having worshipped the god Kravyada, the offering of the body should be made.

Verse 46 (garuda.2.15.46)

अर्धदग्धे तथा देहे दद्यादाज्याहुतिं ततः । लोमभ्यः स्वोतिवाक्येन कुर्याद्धोमं यथाविधि

ardhadagdhe tathā dehe dadyādājyāhutiṁ tataḥ | lomabhyaḥ svotivākyena kuryāddhomaṁ yathāvidhi

When the body is half-burnt, an oblation of ghee should be offered. For the body's hairs, oblation should be duly offered with the appropriate formula.

Verse 47 (garuda.2.15.47)

चितामारोप्य तं प्रेतं हुनेदाज्याहुतिं ततः । यमाय चान्तकायेति मृत्यवे ब्रह्मणे तथा

citāmāropya taṁ pretaṁ hunedājyāhutiṁ tataḥ | yamāya cāntakāyeti mṛtyave brahmaṇe tathā

Having placed that departed one upon the pyre, an oblation of ghee should then be offered — to Yama, to Antaka, to Mrityu, and to Brahma as well.

Verse 48 (garuda.2.15.48)

जातवेदोमुके देया एका प्रेतमुखे तथा । ऊर्ध्वं तु ज्वालयेद्वह्निं पूर्वभागे चितां पुनः

jātavedomuke deyā ekā pretamukhe tathā | ūrdhvaṁ tu jvālayedvahniṁ pūrvabhāge citāṁ punaḥ

One oblation should be given at the mouth of Jataveda (Agni), and one likewise at the mouth of the deceased. Then the fire should be kindled upward, once more at the eastern part of the pyre,

Verse 49 (garuda.2.15.49)

अस्मात्त्वमधिजातोसि त्वदयं जायतां पुनः । असौ स्वर्गाय लोकाय स्वाहा ज्वलति पावकः

asmāttvamadhijātosi tvadayaṁ jāyatāṁ punaḥ | asau svargāya lokāya svāhā jvalati pāvakaḥ

'you were born of this; may this be born again of you; this is for the heavenly world for so-and-so, svaha' — thus speaking, the fire blazes.

Verse 50 (garuda.2.15.50)

एवमाज्याहुतिं दत्त्वा तिलमिश्रां समन्त्रकाम् । ततो दाहः प्रकर्तव्यः पुत्रेण किल निश्चितम्

evamājyāhutiṁ dattvā tilamiśrāṁ samantrakām | tato dāhaḥ prakartavyaḥ putreṇa kila niścitam

Having thus offered the oblation of ghee, and the sesame-mixed offering accompanied by mantra, the cremation should then certainly be completed by the son.

Verse 51 (garuda.2.15.51)

रोदितव्यं ततो गाढमेवं तस्य सुखं भवेत् । दाहस्यानन्तरं तत्र कृत्वा सञ्चयनक्रियाम्

roditavyaṁ tato gāḍhamevaṁ tasya sukhaṁ bhavet | dāhasyānantaraṁ tatra kṛtvā sañcayanakriyām

Then one should weep aloud, for by this the departed finds comfort. Immediately after the cremation, having performed the rite of bone-gathering there,

Verse 52 (garuda.2.15.52)

प्रेतपिण्डं प्रदद्याच्च दाहार्तिशमनं खग । तावद्भूताः प्रतीक्षन्ते तं प्रेतं बान्धवार्थिनम्

pretapiṇḍaṁ pradadyācca dāhārtiśamanaṁ khaga | tāvadbhūtāḥ pratīkṣante taṁ pretaṁ bāndhavārthinam

O bird, the preta-pinda should be offered, which soothes the anguish of the burning. Until then, the spirits await that departed one, still longing for his kin.

Verse 53 (garuda.2.15.53)

दाहस्यानन्तरं कार्यं पुत्रैः स्नानं सचैलकम् । तिलोदकं ततो दद्यान्नामगोत्रेण तिष्ठतु

dāhasyānantaraṁ kāryaṁ putraiḥ snānaṁ sacailakam | tilodakaṁ tato dadyānnāmagotreṇa tiṣṭhatu

Immediately after the cremation, the sons should bathe, garments and all. Then water with sesame, together with name and gotra, should be given — saying 'may this remain steadfast'.

Verse 54 (garuda.2.15.54)

ततो जनपदैः सर्वैर्दातव्या करतालिका । विष्णुर्विष्णुरिति ब्रूयाद्गुणैः प्रेतमुदीरयेत्

tato janapadaiḥ sarvairdātavyā karatālikā | viṣṇurviṣṇuriti brūyādguṇaiḥ pretamudīrayet

Then all the villagers together should clap their hands. 'Vishnu, Vishnu' should be said, and the departed should be spoken of by his good qualities.

Verse 55 (garuda.2.15.55)

जनाः सर्वे समास्तस्य गृहमागत्य सर्वशः । द्वारस्य दक्षिणे भागे गोमयं गौरसर्षपान्

janāḥ sarve samāstasya gṛhamāgatya sarvaśaḥ | dvārasya dakṣiṇe bhāge gomayaṁ gaurasarṣapān

All the people, coming together, gather everywhere in his house; at the southern side of the door, cow-dung and white mustard-seed,

Verse 56 (garuda.2.15.56)

निधाय वरुणं देवमन्तर्धाय स्ववेश्मनि । भक्षयेन्निम्बपत्राणि घृतं प्राश्य गृहं व्रजेत्

nidhāya varuṇaṁ devamantardhāya svaveśmani | bhakṣayennimbapatrāṇi ghṛtaṁ prāśya gṛhaṁ vrajet

having been placed, and the god Varuna invoked within one's own house, one should chew neem leaves, taste ghee, and enter the house.

Verse 57 (garuda.2.15.57)

केचिद्दुग्धेन सिञ्चन्ति चितास्थानं खगेश्वर । अश्रुपातं न कुर्वीत दद्यादस्मै जलाञ्जलीन्

keciddugdhena siñcanti citāsthānaṁ khageśvara | aśrupātaṁ na kurvīta dadyādasmai jalāñjalīn

O lord of birds, some sprinkle the site of the pyre with milk. Tears should not be shed; palmfuls of water should be offered to him.

Verse 58 (garuda.2.15.58)

श्लेष्माश्रु बान्धवैर्मुक्तं प्रेतो भुङ्क्ते यतोऽवशः । अतो न रोदितव्यं हि क्रियाः कार्याः स्वशक्तितः

śleṣmāśru bāndhavairmuktaṁ preto bhuṁkte yato'vaśaḥ | ato na roditavyaṁ hi kriyāḥ kāryāḥ svaśaktitaḥ

The departed, being helpless, must eat the phlegm and tears shed by his kinsmen; therefore one should not weep, but perform the rites according to one's ability.

Verse 59 (garuda.2.15.59)

दुग्धं च मृन्मये पात्रे तोयं दद्याद्दिनत्रयम् । सूर्ये चास्तं गते तार्क्ष्य वलभ्यां चत्वरेऽपि वा

dugdhaṁ ca mṛnmaye pātre toyaṁ dadyāddinatrayam | sūrye cāstaṁ gate tārkṣya valabhyāṁ catvare'pi vā

Milk and water should be given in an earthen vessel for three days, O Tarkshya, once the sun has set, upon the roof or at the crossroads as well.

Verse 60 (garuda.2.15.60)

बद्धः संमूढहृदयो देहमिच्छन्कृतानुगः । श्मशानं चत्वरं गेहं वीक्षन्याम्यैः स नीयते

baddhaḥ saṁmūḍhahṛdayo dehamicchankṛtānugaḥ | śmaśānaṁ catvaraṁ gehaṁ vīkṣanyāmyaiḥ sa nīyate

Bound, his heart utterly bewildered, longing for his body, together with his attendants, he is led away by Yama's servants, gazing back at the cremation ground, the crossroads, and his own house.

Verse 61 (garuda.2.15.61)

गर्ते पिण्डा दशाहं च दातव्याश्च दिनेदिने । जलाञ्जलीः प्रदातव्याः प्रेतमुद्दिश्य नित्यशः

garte piṇḍā daśāhaṁ ca dātavyāśca dinedine | jalāñjalīḥ pradātavyāḥ pretamuddiśya nityaśaḥ

Pindas should be given into a pit for ten days, day after day; palmfuls of water too should be given daily, dedicated to the departed.

Verse 62 (garuda.2.15.62)

तावद्वृद्धिश्च कर्तव्या यावत्पिण्डं दशाहिकम् । पुत्त्रेण हि क्रिया कार्या भार्यया तदभावतः

tāvadvṛddhiśca kartavyā yāvatpiṇḍaṁ daśāhikam | puttreṇa hi kriyā kāryā bhāryayā tadabhāvataḥ

This should continue to increase until the pinda of the tenth day is reached. This rite should be performed by the son, and, in his absence, by the wife,

Verse 63 (garuda.2.15.63)

तदभावे च शिष्येण तदभावे सहोदरः । श्मशाने चान्यतीर्थे वा जलं पिण्डं च दापयेत्

tadabhāve ca śiṣyeṇa tadabhāve sahodaraḥ | śmaśāne cānyatīrthe vā jalaṁ piṇḍaṁ ca dāpayet

and, in her absence, by a disciple, and, in his absence, by a full brother. Water and the pinda should be offered at the cremation ground, or at some other tirtha.

Verse 64 (garuda.2.15.64)

ओदनानि च सक्तूंश्च शाकमूलफलादिना । प्रथमेऽहनि यद्दद्यात्तद्दद्यादुत्तरेऽहनि

odanāni ca saktūṁśca śākamūlaphalādinā | prathame'hani yaddadyāttaddadyāduttare'hani

With cooked rice, parched grain-flour, vegetables, roots, and fruit, whatever is given on the first day should be given on the following days too.

Verse 65 (garuda.2.15.65)

दिनानि दश पिण्डांश्च कुर्वन्त्यत्र सुतादयः । प्रत्यहं ते विभज्यन्ते चतुर्भागाः खगेश्वर

dināni daśa piṇḍāṁśca kurvantyatra sutādayaḥ | pratyahaṁ te vibhajyante caturbhāgāḥ khageśvara

Here the son and others perform the pindas of the ten days; O lord of birds, these are each divided daily into four parts.

Verse 66 (garuda.2.15.66)

भागद्वयं तु देहार्थं प्रीतिदं भूतपञ्चके । तृतीयं यमदूतानां चतुर्थं चोपजीव्यति

bhāgadvayaṁ tu dehārthaṁ prītidaṁ bhūtapañcake | tṛtīyaṁ yamadūtānāṁ caturthaṁ copajīvyati

Two parts nourish the body, satisfying the five elements; the third is for Yama's servants, and by the fourth he himself is sustained.

Verse 67 (garuda.2.15.67)

अहोरात्रैस्तु नवभिः प्रेतो निष्पत्तिमाप्नुयात् । जन्तोर्निष्पन्नदेहस्य दशमे वलवत्क्षुधा

ahorātraistu navabhiḥ preto niṣpattimāpnuyāt | jantorniṣpannadehasya daśame valavatkṣudhā

Over nine days and nights, the formation of the departed's body is completed. Once the body is formed, on the tenth day the being suffers intense hunger.

Verse 68 (garuda.2.15.68)

न विधिर्नैव मन्त्रश्च न स्वधावाहनाशिषः । नाम गोत्रं समुच्चार्य यद्दत्तं तद्दशाहिकम्

na vidhirnaiva mantraśca na svadhāvāhanāśiṣaḥ | nāma gotraṁ samuccārya yaddattaṁ taddaśāhikam

No formal procedure, no mantra, no invocation with svadha, no blessing — merely uttering the name and gotra, whatever is given constitutes the rite of the ten days.

Verse 69 (garuda.2.15.69)

दग्धे देहे पुनर्देहमेवमुत्पद्यते खग । प्रथमेऽहनि यः पिण्डस्तेन मूर्धा प्रजायते

dagdhe dehe punardehamevamutpadyate khaga | prathame'hani yaḥ piṇḍastena mūrdhā prajāyate

Once the body has been burnt, thus a new body is formed again, O bird. By the pinda given on the first day, the head is formed.

Verse 70 (garuda.2.15.70)

ग्रीवा स्कन्धौ द्वितीये च तृतीये हृदयं भवेत् । चतुर्थेन भवेत्पृष्ठं पञ्चमे नाभिरेव च

grīvā skandhau dvitīye ca tṛtīye hṛdayaṁ bhavet | caturthena bhavetpṛṣṭhaṁ pañcame nābhireva ca

On the second day, the neck and shoulders; on the third, the heart is formed; by the fourth, the back; by the fifth, the navel itself.

Verse 71 (garuda.2.15.71)

षट्सप्तमे कटी गुह्यमृरू चाप्यष्टमे तथा । तालू पादौ च नवमे दशमेऽह्नि क्षुधा भवेत्

ṣaṭsaptame kaṭī guhyamṛrū cāpyaṣṭame tathā | tālū pādau ca navame daśame'hni kṣudhā bhavet

By the sixth and seventh, the waist and private parts; by the eighth, the thighs as well; by the ninth, the palate and feet; on the tenth day, hunger arises.

Verse 72 (garuda.2.15.72)

देहं प्राप्तः क्षुधाविष्टो गृहे द्वारे च तिष्ठति । दशमेऽहनि यः पिण्डस्तं दद्यादामिषेण तु

dehaṁ prāptaḥ kṣudhāviṣṭo gṛhe dvāre ca tiṣṭhati | daśame'hani yaḥ piṇḍastaṁ dadyādāmiṣeṇa tu

Having attained a body, overcome by hunger, he stands at the door of the house. The pinda of the tenth day should be given mixed with meat,

Verse 73 (garuda.2.15.73)

यतो देहे समुत्पन्ने प्रेतोऽतीव क्षुधान्वितः । अतस्त्वामिषबाह्येन क्षुधा तस्य न नश्यति

yato dehe samutpanne preto'tīva kṣudhānvitaḥ | atastvāmiṣabāhyena kṣudhā tasya na naśyati

for once the body is formed, the departed is exceedingly hungry; therefore, without meat, his hunger does not subside.

Verse 74 (garuda.2.15.74)

एकादशे द्वादशाहे प्रेतो भुङ्क्ते दिनद्वयम् । योषितः पुरुषास्यापि प्रेतशब्दं समुच्चरेत्

ekādaśe dvādaśāhe preto bhuṁkte dinadvayam | yoṣitaḥ puruṣāsyāpi pretaśabdaṁ samuccaret

On the eleventh and twelfth days, the departed eats for two days; whether woman or man, the word 'preta' should be used for both.

Verse 75 (garuda.2.15.75)

दीपमन्नं जलं वस्त्रं यत्किञ्चिद्वस्तु दीयते । प्रेतशब्देन तद्देयं मृस्यानन्ददायकम्

dīpamannaṁ jalaṁ vastraṁ yatkiñcidvastu dīyate | pretaśabdena taddeyaṁ mṛsyānandadāyakam

A lamp, food, water, garments, and whatever else is given should be given under the name 'preta', which brings joy to the deceased.

Verse 76 (garuda.2.15.76)

त्रयोदशेऽह्नि स प्रेतो नीयते च महापथे । पिण्डजं देहमाश्रित्य दिवा नक्तं बुभुक्षितः

trayodaśe'hni sa preto nīyate ca mahāpathe | piṇḍajaṁ dehamāśritya divā naktaṁ bubhukṣitaḥ

On the thirteenth day, that departed one is led onto the great path — resting upon the body formed of the pindas, hungry throughout day and night.

Verse 77 (garuda.2.15.77)

शीतोष्णशङ्कुक्रव्यादवह्निमार्गस्तु पापिनाम् । क्षुधा तृष्णात्मिका चैव सव्व सौम्यं कृतात्मनाम्

śītoṣṇaśaṁkukravyādavahnimārgastu pāpinām | kṣudhā tṛṣṇātmikā caiva savva saumyaṁ kṛtātmanām

A path full of cold, heat, thorns, flesh-eating creatures, and fire awaits sinners; that same path, laden with hunger and thirst, becomes gentle for those of virtuous deeds.

Verse 78 (garuda.2.15.78)

मार्गे चैतानि दुः खानि असिपत्रवनान्विते । क्षुत्पिपासार्दितो नित्यं यमदृतैः प्रपीडितः

mārge caitāni duḥ khāni asipatravanānvite | kṣutpipāsārdito nityaṁ yamadṛtaiḥ prapīḍitaḥ

These sufferings occur along the road, thronged with the forest of sword-leaves. Ever tormented by hunger and thirst, sorely afflicted by Yama's servants,

Verse 79 (garuda.2.15.79)

अहन्यहनि वै प्रेतो योजनानां शतद्वयम् । चत्वारिंशत्तथा सप्त अहोरात्रेण गच्छति

ahanyahani vai preto yojanānāṁ śatadvayam | catvāriṁśattathā sapta ahorātreṇa gacchati

day by day the departed traverses two hundred and forty-seven yojanas, in a single day and night.

Verse 80 (garuda.2.15.80)

गृहीतो यमपाशैश्च हाहेति रुदिते तु सः । स्वगृहं तु परित्यज्य याम्यं पुरमनुव्रजेत्

gṛhīto yamapāśaiśca hāheti rudite tu saḥ | svagṛhaṁ tu parityajya yāmyaṁ puramanuvrajet

Bound by Yama's nooses, crying 'alas, alas', he abandons his own home and proceeds toward the city of Yama.

Verse 81 (garuda.2.15.81)

क्रमेण याति स प्रेतः पुरं याम्यं शुभाशुभम् । अतीत्य तानितान्येव मार्गे पुरवराणि च

krameṇa yāti sa pretaḥ puraṁ yāmyaṁ śubhāśubham | atītya tānitānyeva mārge puravarāṇi ca

In due order, that departed one proceeds toward the city of Yama, according to good and evil deeds, passing along the road through those very same excellent cities —

Verse 82 (garuda.2.15.82)

याम्यं सौरिपुरं नगेन्द्रभवनं गन्धर्वशैलागमौ । क्रोञ्चं क्रूरपुरं विचित्रभवनं बह्वापदं दुः खदम्

yāmyaṁ sauripuraṁ nagendrabhavanaṁ gandharvaśailāgamau | kroñcaṁ krūrapuraṁ vicitrabhavanaṁ bahvāpadaṁ duḥ khadam

Yamapura, Sauripura, Nagendrabhavana, Gandharvashaila-Agama, Krauncha, Kruraura, Vichitrabhavana, the sorrowful city thronged with calamities,

Verse 83 (garuda.2.15.83)

नानाक्रन्दपुरं सुतप्रभवनं रौद्रं पयोवर्षणं शीताढ्यं बहुधर्मभीतभवनं याम्यं पुरं चाग्रतः

nānākrandapuraṁ sutaprabhavanaṁ raudraṁ payovarṣaṇaṁ śītāḍhyaṁ bahudharmabhītabhavanaṁ yāmyaṁ puraṁ cāgrataḥ

Nanakrandapura, the intensely-heated mansion, Raudra, Payovarshana, Shitadhya, the mansion of many terrors — and beyond them, the city of Yama itself.

Verse 84 (garuda.2.15.84)

त्रयोदशेऽह्नि स प्रेतो गृहीतो यमकिङ्करैः । तस्मिन्मार्गे ब्रजत्येको गृहीत इव मर्कटः

trayodaśe'hni sa preto gṛhīto yamakiṁkaraiḥ | tasminmārge brajatyeko gṛhīta iva markaṭaḥ

On the thirteenth day, that departed one is seized by Yama's servants; along that road he walks alone, as though he were a captured monkey.

Verse 85 (garuda.2.15.85)

तथव स व्रजन्मार्गे पुत्रपुत्रेति च ब्रुवन् । हाहेति क्रन्दते नित्यं कीदृशं तु मया कृतम्

tathava sa vrajanmārge putraputreti ca bruvan | hāheti krandate nityaṁ kīdṛśaṁ tu mayā kṛtam

Going along that road in just this way, crying 'O my son, my son', he laments ever 'alas, alas' — 'what was it that I had done?'

Verse 86 (garuda.2.15.86)

मानुष्यं लभ्यते कस्मादिति ब्रूते प्रसर्पति । महता पुण्ययोगेन मानुष्यं जन्म लभ्यते

mānuṣyaṁ labhyate kasmāditi brūte prasarpati | mahatā puṇyayogena mānuṣyaṁ janma labhyate

'By what cause is humanhood attained?' — thus saying, he moves on. Only through great merit is human birth attained.

Verse 87 (garuda.2.15.87)

न तत्प्राप्य प्रदत्तं हि याचकेभ्यः स्वकं धनम् । पराधीनं तदभवदिति ब्रूते (रौति) सगद्गदः

na tatprāpya pradattaṁ hi yācakebhyaḥ svakaṁ dhanam | parādhīnaṁ tadabhavaditi brūte (rauti) sagadgadaḥ

'Having obtained it, I still did not give my wealth to petitioners, and so it passed into the hands of others' — thus, choked with sobs, he laments.

Verse 88 (garuda.2.15.88)

किङ्करैः पीड्यतेऽत्यर्थं स्मरते पूर्वदैहिकम्

kiṁkaraiḥ pīḍyate'tyarthaṁ smarate pūrvadaihikam

He is sorely tormented by Yama's servants, and remembers his former bodily life.

Verse 89 (garuda.2.15.89)

सुखस्य दुः खस्य न कोपि दाता परो ददातीति कुबुद्धिरेषा । पुरा कृतं कर्म सदैव भुज्यते देहिन्क्वचिन्निस्तर यत्त्वया कृतम्

sukhasya duḥ khasya na kopi dātā paro dadātīti kubuddhireṣā | purā kṛtaṁ karma sadaiva bhujyate dehinkvacinnistara yattvayā kṛtam

'No one else gives happiness or sorrow' — this is foolish thinking; the deed done in a former time is always what is experienced — O embodied soul, endure now, wherever you may be, what you yourself have done!

Verse 90 (garuda.2.15.90)

मया न दत्तं न हुतं हुताशने तपो न तप्तं हिमशैलगह्वरे । न सेवितं गाङ्गमहो महाजलं देहिन्क्वचिन्निस्तर यत्त्वया कृतम्

mayā na dattaṁ na hutaṁ hutāśane tapo na taptaṁ himaśailagahvare | na sevitaṁ gāṁgamaho mahājalaṁ dehinkvacinnistara yattvayā kṛtam

'I gave no gift, offered no oblation into fire, performed no austerity in a Himalayan cave, nor drank of the great waters of the Ganga — O embodied soul, endure now, wherever you may be, what you yourself have done!'

Verse 91 (garuda.2.15.91)

न नित्यदानं न गावाह्निकं कृतं न वेददानं न च शास्त्रपुस्तकम् । पुरा नदृष्टं न च सेवितोऽध्वा देहिन्क्वचिन्निस्तर यत्त्वया कृतम्

na nityadānaṁ na gāvāhnikaṁ kṛtaṁ na vedadānaṁ na ca śāstrapustakam | purā nadṛṣṭaṁ na ca sevito'dhvā dehinkvacinnistara yattvayā kṛtam

'I made no daily gift, gave no service to cows, gave no Veda in charity, no book of scripture, saw no tirtha before, and followed no [righteous] path — O embodied soul, endure now, wherever you may be, what you yourself have done!'

Verse 92 (garuda.2.15.92)

जलाशयो नैव कृतो हि निर्जले मनुष्यहेतोः पशुपक्षिहेतवे । गोतृप्तिहेतोर्न कृतं हि गोचरं देहिन्क्वचिन्नस्तर यत्त्वया कृतम्

jalāśayo naiva kṛto hi nirjale manuṣyahetoḥ paśupakṣihetave | gotṛptihetorna kṛtaṁ hi gocaraṁ dehinkvacinnastara yattvayā kṛtam

'In a waterless place I made no reservoir for men, none for beasts and birds, nor did I make any pasture for the satisfaction of cattle — O embodied soul, endure now, wherever you may be, what you yourself have done!'

Verse 93 (garuda.2.15.93)

मया न भुक्तं पतिसङ्गसौख्यं वह्निप्रवेशो न कृतो मृते सति । तस्मिन्मृते तद्व्रतपालनं वा देहिन्क्वचिन्निस्तर यत्त्वया कृतम्

mayā na bhuktaṁ patisaṁgasaukhyaṁ vahnipraveśo na kṛto mṛte sati | tasminmṛte tadvratapālanaṁ vā dehinkvacinnistara yattvayā kṛtam

[The wailing of a woman —] 'I never enjoyed the happiness of my husband's company, nor entered the fire upon his death, nor kept the vow required at his death — O embodied soul, endure now, wherever you may be, what you yourself have done!'

Verse 94 (garuda.2.15.94)

मासोपवासैर्न विशोषितं वपुश्चान्द्रायणैर्वा नियमैश्च संहतैः । नारीशरीरं बहुदुः खभाजनं लब्धं मया पूर्वकृतैर्विकर्मभिः

māsopavāsairna viśoṣitaṁ vapuścāndrāyaṇairvā niyamaiśca saṁhataiḥ | nārīśarīraṁ bahuduḥ khabhājanaṁ labdhaṁ mayā pūrvakṛtairvikarmabhiḥ

'Through no monthly fasts, no chandrayana vows, no gathered disciplines did I emaciate my body; therefore, through the evil deeds done in a former time, I obtained this body of a woman, a vessel of manifold suffering.'

Verse 95 (garuda.2.15.95)

उक्तानि वाच्यानि मया नराणामतः शृणुष्वावहितोऽपि पक्षिन् । स्त्रीणां शरीरं प्रतिलभ्य देही ब्रवीति कर्माणि कृतानि पूर्वम्

uktāni vācyāni mayā narāṇāmataḥ śṛṇuṣvāvahito'pi pakṣin | strīṇāṁ śarīraṁ pratilabhya dehī bravīti karmāṇi kṛtāni pūrvam

This have I told as the lament fit to be spoken by men; now, O bird, hear attentively that of women as well — having obtained a woman's body, the embodied soul speaks thus of its former deeds.