Garuda Puran: What It Really Says, Part by Part

The Garuda Puran is a Vaishnava Mahapurana in which Lord Vishnu answers the questions of Garuda, his divine eagle. It has two parts. The Purva Khanda (Achara Kanda) covers creation, avatars, vows, pilgrimage, Ayurveda, gems, ethics and dharma. The Uttara Khanda, called the Preta Khanda, describes death, the journey of the soul after death, the results of actions, the rites for ancestors and the way to liberation.

By tradition the Preta Khanda is heard at home for thirteen days after a death in the family. Its purpose is not to frighten. It comforts the family that life does not end at death, tells them what to do for the peace of the departed, and reminds the living that only good deeds, charity and devotion go with us.

In this library

The Preta Khanda is summarised below in order in six parts, with one more part on the ethics and dharma of the Purva Khanda. The descriptions of the hells are kept restrained here; their purpose is to turn people from wrong action, not to spread fear.

Common questions

Is it unlucky to keep or read the Garuda Puran at home?

No. It is a Mahapurana and reading, keeping or hearing it is not inauspicious. The custom is only that the Preta Khanda is read especially in the days after a death.

Why is it heard for thirteen days?

It is believed the departed soul stays near its home in these days. Hearing the katha gives it peace, and gives the grieving family patience and perspective.

What is its main message?

As the deed, so the result. One who lives by truth, kindness, charity, care of parents and remembrance of God goes forward without fear.