Garuda Mahā Purana - Preta Khaṇḍa
41 - Releasing the Bull (Vrushotsarga)
Lord Vishnu said:
1. O lord of birds, the rite of releasing the bull (Vrushotsarga) should be done, as prescribed in the month Karttika or on the full-moon day (purnima) or on other auspicious days.
4. Here by Vaitarani a cow is meant, not the river.
2. One should get married, release the bull, perform Nandimukha1 and establish fire.
1. A Shraddha ceremony performed in memory of the manes preliminary to any festive occasion such as marriage.
3. Fire should be established beside the water reservoir, well, cowshed and everything should be done according to marriage rites such as the recitation of the mantras by the brahmins.
4. He should do patrasadana, Shrapana, upanayana, etc. At the end of paryukshana, the brahmin should do home.
5-6. Six offerings should be made with the mantra prathamaahara2 to Agni, Rudra, Sharva, Pashupati, Shiva, Bhava, Mahadeva, Ishana, Yama.
2. Not mentioned in Bloomfield's Vedic concordance.
7. Once, homa should be made with pishtaka by reciting the mantra Pūshaga3. Homa should be made both with charu and Payasa.
3. RV. VI. 54.5
8-9. First vyahruti4-homa should be made, then Prayashchitta, Samshrava-prašhana, Pranita parimokşhana and Pavitra-pratipatti. Dakshina should be given to the brahmins officiating at the sacrifice. By reciting shadanga mantras dedicated to Rudra, the ghost obtains release.
4. Vyahruti homa-Oblations poured into the fire by muttering the formula: bhūh svaha, bhupaḥ svadha, svah svadha.
10. Bull of one colour and a calf should be bathed and decorated with ornaments.
11. By releasing the twins the ghost obtains release. Then water-libation should be made by reciting the mantras. The brahmins should be feasted and gratified with the sacrificial fee.
12. Then ekoddishta should be performed accompanied by water libation and gifts of food.
13. This should be done on the twelfth day and in each month separately. The prescription relates to the release of the ghost.
Summary of chapter 41 of the Garuda Mahā Purana - Preta Khaṇḍa is as follows:
Bhagavān Vishṇu details the principles of Sadācāra, the noble and righteous lifestyle that every seeker of spiritual truth must adopt in daily life. The Lord covers essential duties such as truthfulness, non-violence, purity of body and mind, reverence for parents and teachers, hospitality to guests, and kindness toward all living creatures. The Supreme Lord explains that leading a life rooted in ethical purity creates a strong foundation for spiritual growth, protecting the individual from committing negative acts and ensuring a peaceful mind both in life and in death.