13.061
bhūmidānapraśaṁsā
Praise of the gift of land.
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca॥
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
idaṃ deyam idaṃ deyam iti iyaṃ śruti-codanā। bahu-deyāḥ ca rājānaḥ kiṃ svid deyam anuttamam ॥13-61-1॥
“This should be given, this should be given”—such is this Vedic injunction. Many kings are givers; what, indeed, is the best that should be given? (13-61-1)
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhīṣma said.
ati dānāni sarvāṇi pṛthivīdānam ucyate। acalā hi akṣayā bhūmir dogdhṛī kāmān anuttamān ॥13-61-2॥
Among all gifts, the gift of land is considered the highest. For the earth, being immovable and inexhaustible, bestows the greatest of all desires. (13-61-2)
dogdhrī vāsāṃsi ratnāni paśūn vrīhiyavāṃs tathā। bhūmidaḥ sarvabhūteṣu śāśvatīr edhate samāḥ ॥13-61-3॥
A milking cow, garments, jewels, cattle, rice and barley, and likewise, the land-givers among all beings flourish with lasting prosperity through the ages. (13-61-3)
yāvad bhūmer āyur iha tāvad bhūmida edhate। na bhūmidaānād asti iha paraṃ kiñcid yudhiṣṭhira॥13-61-4॥
The giver of land prospers as long as the earth endures; here, there is nothing greater than the gift of land, O Yudhiṣṭhira. (13-61-4)
apy-alpaṃ pradaduḥ pūrve pṛthivyā iti naḥ śrutam। bhūmim-ete daduḥ sarve ye bhūmiṃ bhuñjate janāḥ॥13-61-5॥
We have heard that the people of former times gave away even a little portion of the earth; all those who enjoy the earth have given the earth. (13-61-5)
svakarmaiva-upajīvanti narā iha paratra ca। bhūmirbhūtirmahādevī dātāraṃ kurute priyam ॥13-61-6॥
Men live by their own actions both here and in the hereafter, and the earth, prosperity, and the great goddess make the donor dear. (13-61-6)
ya etāṃ dakṣiṇāṃ dadyād akṣayāṃ pṛthivīpatiḥ. punar naratvaṃ samprāpya bhavet sa pṛthivīpatiḥ ॥13-61-7॥
Whoever, being a king, gives this imperishable gift, having attained human birth again, he would become a king. (13-61-7)
yathā dānaṁ tathā bhoga iti dharmeṣu niścayaḥ। saṅgrāme vā tanuṁ jahyāddadyādvā pṛthivīmimām ॥13-61-8॥
Just as giving and enjoyment are declared equal among righteous duties: in battle, one may either sacrifice the body or bestow this earth. (13-61-8)
ityetāṃ kṣatrabandhūnāṃ vadanti paramāśiṣam. punāti dattā pṛthivī dātāramiti śuśruma ॥13-61-9॥
Thus, this is said to be the highest blessing for the kṣatriya kin: 'the earth, when given, purifies the giver'—so we have heard. (13-61-9)
api pāpasamācāraṃ brahma-ghnam api vā anṛtam। saiva pāpaṃ pāvayati saiva pāpāt pramocayet ॥13-61-10॥
Even someone of sinful conduct, a killer of a Brāhmaṇa, or a liar—she alone purifies sins and she alone can liberate from sin. (13-61-10)
api pāpakṛtāṃ rājñāṃ pratigṛhṇanti sādhavaḥ। pṛthivīṃ nānyadicchanti pāvanaṃ jananī yathā॥13-61-11॥
Indeed, the virtuous do accept gifts from sinful kings; they desire nothing other than the earth, for it is a purifier just as a mother is. (13-61-11)
nāmāsyāḥ priyadatteti guhyaṃ devyāḥ sanātanam। dānaṃ vāpyatha vā jñānaṃ nāmno'syāḥ paramaṃ priyam ॥ tasmātprāpyaiva pṛthivīṃ dadyādviprāya pārthivaḥ ॥13-61-12॥
The name of her is "Priyadattā", which is an eternal secret of the goddess. The gift or the knowledge related to this name is most dear to her. Therefore, having attained the earth, the king should give it to a Brāhmaṇa. (13-61-12)
nābhūmipatinā bhūmiradhiṣṭheyā kathañcana। na vā pātreṇa vā gūhe dantardhānena vā caret ॥ ye ca anye bhūmim iccheyuḥ kur-yuḥ evaṃ asaṃśayam ॥13-61-13॥
The land should not be governed in any way by the lord of the land; nor should one act by means of a vessel, or by concealment, or disappearance. Those others who might seek land should also do likewise, without doubt. (13-61-13)
yaḥ sādhor bhūmim ādattē na bhūmiṁ vindatē tu saḥ। bhūmiṁ tu dattvā sādhubhyo vindatē bhūmim eva hi॥ prētyēha ca sa dharmātmā samprāpnōti mahad yaśaḥ॥13-61-14॥
He who takes the land of a virtuous person does not truly gain the land; but he who gives land to the virtuous certainly obtains land. After death and here in this world, that righteous soul attains great fame. (13-61-14)
yasya viprānuśāsanti sādhor bhūmiṁ sadaiva hi। na tasya śatravo rājan praśāsanti vasundharām ॥13-61-15॥
O king, the enemies of one whose land the Brāhmaṇas always indeed govern for the virtuous, do not rule the earth. (13-61-15)
yatkiñcit puruṣaḥ pāpaṃ kurute vṛttikarśitaḥ। api gocarmamātreṇa bhūmidānena pūyate॥13-61-16॥
Whatever small sin a person afflicted for a living may have committed, he is purified even by gifting land as much as a cowhide. (13-61-16)
ye'pi saṅkīrṇakarmāṇo rājāno raudrakarmiṇaḥ। tebhyaḥ pavitram ākhyeyaṁ bhūmidānam anuttamam॥13-61-17॥
Even those kings who perform impure or cruel deeds—among them, the unsurpassed purifying act to be declared is the gift of land. (13-61-17)
alpāntaram idaṁ śaśvat purāṇā menire janāḥ। yo yajed aśvamedhena dadyād vā sādhave mahīm॥13-61-18॥
The ancient people always considered this to be a slight difference: whether one performs the aśvamedha (horse-sacrifice) or gives the earth to a virtuous person. (13-61-18)
api cet sukṛtaṃ kṛtvā śaṅkerann api paṇḍitāḥ। aśakyam ekam eva etad bhūmidānam anuttamam ॥13-61-19॥
Even if wise men doubt after performing good deeds, there is one thing indeed which is impossible—this unsurpassed gift of land. (13-61-19)
suvarṇam rajatam vastram maṇi-muktāvasūni ca। sarvam etan mahāprājña dadāti vasudhām dadat॥13-61-20॥
O greatly wise one, whoever gives away the earth gives gold, silver, cloth, gems, pearls, riches, and all these things. (13-61-20)
tapo yajñaḥ śrutaṃ śīlamalobhaḥ satyasandhatā। gurudaivatapūjā ca nātivartanti bhūmidam ॥13-61-21॥
Austerity, sacrifice, Vedic learning, good character, absence of greed, truthfulness, and worship of the teacher and the divine—all these virtues do not surpass the giver of land. (13-61-21)
bhartur-niḥśreyase yuktās tyaktātmāno raṇe hatāḥ। brahmalokagatāḥ siddhā nātikrāmanti bhūmidam ॥13-61-22॥
Those who, engaged for the lord's highest good and having abandoned self, are slain in battle—having attained Brahmaloka, these perfected souls do not return to this earth. (13-61-22)
yathā janitrī kṣīreṇa svaputraṃ bharate sadā। anugṛhṇāti dātāraṃ tathā sarvarasair mahī ॥13-61-23॥
Just as a mother always nourishes her own son with milk, so the earth favors the giver with all its resources. (13-61-23)
mṛtyor vai kiṅkaro daṇḍas tāpo vahneḥ sudāruṇaḥ। ghorāś ca vāruṇāḥ pāśā nopasarpanti bhūmidam॥13-61-24॥
Indeed, the punishments inflicted by the servant of Death, the severe torments of fire, and the terrible nooses of Varuṇa do not approach the giver of land. (13-61-24)
pitṝṁś ca pitṛlokasthān devaloke ca devatāḥ. santarpayati śāntātmā yo dadāti vasundharām ॥13-61-25॥
He of tranquil mind who gifts the earth satisfies both ancestors dwelling in their world and the gods in the gods' realm. (13-61-25)
kṛśāya mriyamāṇāya vṛttimlānāya sīdate। bhūmiṃ vṛttikarīṃ dattvā satrī bhavati mānavaḥ॥13-61-26॥
When a person gives land that provides sustenance to someone emaciated, dying, and depleted of means and who is languishing, that person becomes generous and truly human. (13-61-26)
yathā dhāvati gaur vatsam kṣīram abhyutsṛjanty uta। evam eva mahābhāga bhūmir bhavati bhūmidam॥13-61-27॥
Just as a cow runs to her calf and lets her milk flow forth, in the same way, O greatly fortunate one, the earth becomes generous towards the giver of land. (13-61-27)
halakṛṣṭāṃ mahīṃ dattvā sabījāṃ saphalām api। udīrṇaṃ vā api śaraṇaṃ tathā bhavati kāmadaḥ ॥13-61-28॥
Donating ploughed land with seeds, or even fruitful land, or even an established place of refuge becomes wish-granting. (13-61-28)
brāhmaṇaṃ vṛttasampannam āhitāgniṃ śucivratam। naraḥ pratigrāhya mahīṃ na yāti yamasādanam॥13-61-29॥
One who gives land to a brāhmaṇa of good conduct, who has established the sacred fires and is of pure vow, does not go to the abode of Yama. (13-61-29)
yathā candramaso vṛddhir ahan-y ahani jāyate। tathā bhūmi-kṛtaṃ dānaṃ sasye sasye vivardhate॥13-61-30॥
Just as the increase of the moon is born day by day, in the same way, a gift given to the earth grows in every crop. (13-61-30)
atra gāthā bhūmīgītāḥ kīrtayanti purāvidaḥ। yāḥ śrutvā jāmadagnyena dattā bhūḥ kāśyapāya vai॥13-61-31॥
Here, the sages who know ancient tales recite verses called Bhūmīgītāḥ. Upon hearing these, Jāmadagnya (Paraśurāma) indeed gave the land to Kāśyapa. (13-61-31)
māmeva-adatta māṃ datta māṃ dattvā mām avāpsyatha। asmin loke pare ca eva tataḥ ca ajanane punaḥ ॥13-61-32॥
If you do not give to me only, give to me; having given me, you will obtain me—both in this world and in the next, and then again at (re)birth. (13-61-32)
ya imāṃ vyāhṛtiṃ veda brāhmaṇo brahma-saṃśritaḥ। śrāddhasya hūyamānasya brahmabhūyaṃ sa gacchati ॥13-61-33॥
He who, being a Brāhmaṇa devoted to Brahman, knows this sacred utterance—when the śrāddha is being offered—he attains the state of Brahman. (13-61-33)
kṛtyānām-abhiśastānāṃ duriṣṭa-śamanaṃ mahat। prāyaścittam ahaṃ kṛtvā punāti ubhayato daśa ॥13-61-34॥
Great atonement for evil deeds and the cursed calms evil; having performed it, I purify ten on both sides. (13-61-34)
punāti ya idaṃ veda veda cāhaṃ tathaiva ca। prakṛtiḥ sarvabhūtānāṃ bhūmirvai śāśvatī matā ॥13-61-35॥
He who knows this purifies; likewise, I know the Veda. The earth is regarded as the eternal nature of all beings. (13-61-35)
abhiṣicyaiva nṛpatiṁ śrāvayedimamāgamam। yathā śrutvā mahīṁ dadyānnādad yātsādhutaśca tām ॥13-61-36॥
After anointing the king, he should have this scripture recited to him, so that upon hearing it, he would righteously give the earth and not take it back. (13-61-36)
so'yaṃ kṛtsno brāhmaṇārtho rājārthaścāpyasaṃśayam। rājā hi dharmakuśalaḥ prathamaṃ bhūtilakṣaṇam ॥13-61-37॥
This entire order exists for the sake of the Brāhmaṇa and for the king, without doubt. Indeed, a king skilled in dharma is the foremost sign of prosperity. (13-61-37)
atha yeṣām adharmajño rājā bhavati nāstikaḥ। na te sukhaṃ prabudhyante na sukhaṃ prasvapanti ca॥13-61-38॥
When the king, ignorant of dharma and an atheist, rules over people, they do not awaken happily, nor do they sleep happily. (13-61-38)
sadā bhavanti codvignās tasya duścaritair narāḥ। yogakṣemā hi bahavo rāṣṭraṃ nāsyāviśanti tat ॥13-61-39॥
Because of his bad actions, people are always disturbed; indeed, many means for prosperity do not enter his kingdom. (13-61-39)
atha yeṣāṃ punaḥ prājño rājā bhavati dhārmikaḥ। sukhaṃ te pratibudhyante susukhaṃ prasvapanti ca ॥13-61-40॥
Whenever a wise and righteous king rules over them, they awaken happily and sleep in great comfort. (13-61-40)
tasya rājñaḥ śubhairāryaiḥ karmabhirnirvṛtāḥ prajāḥ। yogakṣemeṇa vṛṣṭyā ca vivardhante svakarmabhiḥ ॥13-61-41॥
The subjects of that king, through the virtuous deeds of the noble and auspicious, are content. Supported by means of sustenance, security, and rain, they grow and prosper by their own efforts. (13-61-41)
sa kulīnaḥ sa puruṣaḥ sa bandhuḥ sa ca puṇyakṛt। sa dātā sa ca vikrānto yo dadāti vasundharām ॥13-61-42॥
He alone is noble, he is a man, he is a relative, he also is a doer of merit; he is a giver, and he is also valiant, who gives the earth. (13-61-42)
ādityā iva dīpyante tejasā bhuvi mānavāḥ। dadanti vasudhāṃ sphītāṃ ye vedaviduṣi dvije ॥13-61-43॥
Men who give abundant land to a twice-born learned in the Veda shine with brilliance on earth like suns. (13-61-43)
yathā bījāni rohanti prakīrṇāni mahītale। tathā kāmāḥ prarohanti bhūmidānasamārjitāḥ ॥13-61-44॥
Just as seeds scattered on the surface of the earth sprout, so too, desires acquired through the donation of land arise. (13-61-44)
ādityo varuṇo viṣṇur brahmā somo hutāśanaḥ। śūlapāṇiś ca bhagavān pratinandanti bhūmidam ॥13-61-45॥
The Sun, Varuṇa, Viṣṇu, Brahmā, Soma, the Fire, and the Lord holding a trident all greet this earth. (13-61-45)
bhūmau jāyanti puruṣā bhūmau niṣṭhāṃ vrajanti ca। caturvidho hi loko'yaṃ yo'yaṃ bhūmiguṇātmakaḥ॥13-61-46॥
Men are born on earth and reach their final end on earth. This world is indeed fourfold, which is of the nature of the qualities of earth. (13-61-46)
eṣā mātā pitā caiva jagataḥ pṛthivīpate। nānayā sadṛśaṃ bhūtaṃ kiñcidasti janādhipa ॥13-61-47॥
O lord of the earth, this one is (like) mother and father of the world; O lord of people, there is no being similar to her anywhere. (13-61-47)
atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṃ purātanam। bṛhaspateś ca saṃvādam indrasya ca yudhiṣṭhira ॥13-61-48॥
Here also, O Yudhiṣṭhira, they recite this ancient story—the dialogue between Bṛhaspati and Indra. (13-61-48)
iṣṭvā kratuśatena atha mahatā dakṣiṇāvatā। maghavā vāg-vidāṃ śreṣṭham papraccha idam bṛhaspatim ॥13-61-49॥
After performing a hundred sacrifices with abundant gifts, Maghavan (Indra) then asked Bṛhaspati, the foremost among knowers of speech, this question. (13-61-49)
bhagavan kena dānena svargataḥ sukham edhate। yad akṣayam mahā-arghaṃ ca tad brūhi vadatāṃ vara ॥13-61-50॥
O Lord, by which gift does one attain happiness in heaven? Tell me of that which is imperishable and of great worth, O best of speakers. (13-61-50)
ityuktaḥ sa surendreṇa tato devapurohitaḥ. bṛhaspatirmahātejāḥ pratyuvāca śatakratum ॥13-61-51॥
Thus addressed by the lord of the gods, then the priest of the gods, the great splendorous Bṛhaspati, replied to Śatakratu (Indra). (13-61-51)
suvarṇadānaṃ godānaṃ bhūmidānaṃ ca vṛtrahan। dadadetān mahāprājñaḥ sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate ॥13-61-52॥
O slayer of Vṛtra, a very wise person who gives the gifts of gold, cows, and land is released from all sins. (13-61-52)
na bhūmidānād devendra paraṃ kiñcid iti prabho। viśiṣṭam iti manyāmi yathā prāhur manīṣiṇaḥ॥13-61-53॥
O Indra of the gods, I think that there is nothing greater than the gift of land, just as the wise have said. (13-61-53)
ye śūrā nihatā yuddhe svaryātā dānagṛddhinaḥ। sarve te vibudhaśreṣṭha nātikrāmanti bhūmidam ॥13-61-54॥
O best of the wise, all those heroes who have been slain in battle and have gone to heaven, desiring gifts, do not surpass the giver of land. (13-61-54)
bhartur-niḥśreyase yuktās-tyaktātmāno raṇe hatāḥ। brahmaloka-gatāḥ śūrā nātikrāmanti bhūmidam ॥13-61-55॥
Those heroes who gave up their selves for their lord's highest good and were slain in battle, having attained Brahmaloka, do not return to this earth. (13-61-55)
pañca pūrvādipuruṣāḥ ṣaṭ ca ye vasudhāṃ gatāḥ। ekādaśa dadadbhum̐ paritrātīha mānavaḥ ॥13-61-56॥
There are five primordial men, and six who have departed to the earth; the one man here who protects is the eleventh who gave the earth. (13-61-56)
ratnopakīrṇāṃ vasudhāṃ yo dadāti puraṃdara। sa muktaḥ sarva-kaluṣaiḥ svargaloke mahīyate ॥13-61-57॥
O Purandara, one who gives the earth adorned with jewels, being freed from all impurities, is honored in heaven. (13-61-57)
mahīṁ sphītāṁ dadad rājā sarvakāma-guṇānvitām। rājādhirājo bhavati tad dhi dānam anuttamam ॥13-61-58॥
By giving the prosperous earth endowed with all desirable qualities, a king indeed becomes the king of kings; for that gift is unsurpassed. (13-61-58)
sarvakāmasamāyuktāṃ kāśyapīṃ yaḥ prayacchati। sarvabhūtāni manyante māṃ dadātīti vāsava ॥13-61-59॥
O Vāsava, whoever gives Kashyapa's (wife) endowed with all desires, all beings think thus: 'He gives me.' (13-61-59)
sarvakāmadughāṁ dhenuṁ sarvakāmapurogamām। dadāti yaḥ sahasrākṣa sa svargaṁ yāti mānavaḥ ॥13-61-60॥
O thousand-eyed one, the man who gives a cow that yields all desires and is attended by all enjoyments, that man goes to heaven. (13-61-60)
madhusarpiḥpravāhiniyaḥ payodadhivahāstathā। saritastarpayantīha surendra vasudhāpradam ॥13-61-61॥
O lord of gods, here streams flowing with honey, clarified butter, milk and curds, as well as other rivers, provide abundant satisfaction and grant the earth. (13-61-61)
bhūmi-pradānān nṛpatir mucyate rāja-kilbiṣāt। na hi bhūmi-pradānena dānam anyad viśiṣyate॥13-61-62॥
By the gift of land, the king is freed from royal sin. Truly, of all gifts, none surpasses the gift of land. (13-61-62)
dadāti yaḥ samudrāntāṃ pṛthivīṃ śastranirjitām। taṃ janāḥ kathayantīha yāvaddharati gauriyam ॥13-61-63॥
People here speak of him who gives the earth bounded by the ocean, conquered by weapons, as long as he lives in the body. (13-61-63)
puṇyām ṛddharasāṃ bhūmiṃ yo dadāti puraṃdara। na tasya lokāḥ kṣīyante bhūmidānaguṇārjitāḥ ॥13-61-64॥
O Puraṃdara, one who gives holy and prosperous land, his worlds acquired by the merit of the gift of land are never destroyed. (13-61-64)
sarvathā pārthiveneha satataṁ bhūtimicchatā. bhūrdeyā vidhivacchakra pātre sukhamabhīpsatā ॥13-61-65॥
O Indra, a ruler here who always desires prosperity and happiness should always, in every way, give land according to the rules to a worthy recipient. (13-61-65)
api kṛtvā naraḥ pāpaṃ bhūmiṃ dattvā dvijātaye. samutsṛjati tatpāpaṃ jīrṇāṃ tvacam ivoragaḥ ॥13-61-66॥
Even if a man has committed sin, by giving land to a twice-born, he casts off that sin just as a serpent sheds its worn-out skin. (13-61-66)
sāgarān saritaḥ śailān kānanāni ca sarvaśaḥ। sarvam etan naraḥ śakra dadāti vasudhām dadat ॥13-61-67॥
O Śakra, by giving the earth, a man gives the oceans, rivers, mountains, forests and all of this (completely). (13-61-67)
taḍāgānyudapānāni srotāṁsi ca sarāṁsi ca. snehānsarvarasāṁścaiva dadāti vasudhāṁ dadat ॥13-61-68॥
The earth, as she gives, provides ponds, watering places, streams, lakes, oils, and all kinds of essences. (13-61-68)
oṣadhīḥ kṣīrasampannā nagānpuṣpaphalānvitān। kānanopalaśailāṃśca dadāti vasudhāṃ dadat ॥13-61-69॥
Giving herbs rich in sap, trees with flowers and fruits, forests, stones, and mountains, she (the earth) gives herself. (13-61-69)
agniṣṭomaprabhr̥tibhir iṣṭvā ca svāptadakṣiṇaiḥ। na tat phalam avāpnoti bhūmidānād yad aśnute ॥13-61-70॥
Even by performing agniṣṭoma and similar sacrifices with gifts acquired by oneself, one does not obtain that result which is attained by giving land as a gift. (13-61-70)
dātā daśānugṛhṇāti daśa hanti tathā kṣipan। pūrvadattāṃ haran bhūmiṃ narakāya upagacchati॥13-61-71॥
The giver benefits ten people; the one who destroys or casts away ten (recipients), and the one who seizes land formerly given, goes to hell. (13-61-71)
na dadāti pratiśrutya dattvā vā harate tu yaḥ। sa baddho vāruṇaiḥ pāśais tapyate mṛtyuśāsanāt॥13-61-72॥
Whoever, after making a promise, does not give, or after giving, takes it back, he is bound by the nooses of Varuṇa and is tormented by the command of Death. (13-61-72)
āhitāgniṃ sadā-yajñaṃ kṛśa-bhṛtyaṃ priyātithim। ye bharanti dvija-śreṣṭham na upasarpanti te yamam ॥13-61-73॥
Those who support a Brāhmaṇa who has kept up the sacred fire, always performs sacrifice, has few servants, and is dear to guests—they do not come under the sway of Yama (the god of death). (13-61-73)
brāhmaṇeṣv ṛṇabhūtaṃ syāt pārthivasya puraṃdara| itareṣāṃ tu varṇānāṃ tārayet kṛśa-durbalān ॥13-61-74॥
O Indra, among Brāhmaṇas, the king's debt should exist; but concerning the other castes, he should save those who are thin and weak. (13-61-74)
nācchindyāt sparśitāṃ bhūmiṃ pareṇa tridaśādhipa। brāhmaṇāya suraśreṣṭha kṛśabhṛtyāya kaścana ॥13-61-75॥
O lord of the gods, land that has been touched by another should not be divided for a Brahmin, O best of gods, for anyone who has few servants. (13-61-75)
athāśru patitaṃ teṣāṃ dīnānām avasīdatām। brāhmaṇānāṃ hṛte kṣetre hanyāt tripuruṣaṃ kulam ॥13-61-76॥
Then, when a tear falls from those distressed and grieving ones, if the field of Brāhmaṇas is taken away, the perpetrator's family should be destroyed for three generations. (13-61-76)
bhūmipālaṃ cyutaṃ rāṣṭrād yastu saṃsthāpayet punaḥ. tasya vāsaḥ sahasrākṣa nākapṛṣṭhe mahīyate ॥13-61-77॥
Whoever restores a king who has been deposed from his kingdom, his abode is honored with Indra in the highest heaven. (13-61-77)
ikṣubhiḥ santatāṃ bhūmiṃ yava-godhūma-saṅkulām। go-śva-vāhana-sampūrṇāṃ bāhu-vīrya-samārjitām ॥13-61-78॥
Land spread with sugarcanes, filled with dense barley and wheat, abundant with cows, horses, and vehicles, gained by one’s own strength of arm. (13-61-78)
nidhigarbhāṃ dadad bhūmiṃ sarva-ratna-paricchadām। akṣayān labhate lokān bhūmisatraṃ hi tasya tat ॥13-61-79॥
Who gives land containing treasures and all kinds of jewels surely attains imperishable worlds; for that is his land-offering. (13-61-79)
vidhūya kaluṣaṃ sarvaṃ virajāḥ saṃmataḥ satām। loke mahīyate sadbhiryo dadāti vasundharām॥13-61-80॥
He who, having removed all impurity and being free from passion, is respected by the good and gives land, is honored by the virtuous in the world. (13-61-80)
yathāpsu patitaḥ śakra tailabindur visarpati। tathā bhūmikṛtaṃ dānaṃ sasye sasye visarpati॥13-61-81॥
Just as, O Indra, an oil drop fallen in water spreads, so too charity performed on land spreads (its benefits) in every crop. (13-61-81)
ye raṇāgre mahīpālāḥ śūrāḥ samitiśobhanāḥ। vadhyante'bhimukhāḥ śakra brahmalokaṃ vrajanti te॥13-61-82॥
Those kings—valiant and resplendent in battle—who are slain facing the enemy at the front of the battle, O Śakra, they go to Brahma's world. (13-61-82)
nṛtyagītaparā nāryo divyamālyavibhūṣitāḥ। upatiṣṭhanti devendra sadā bhūmipradaṃ divi ॥13-61-83॥
O Indra of the gods, women devoted to dance and song, adorned with divine garlands, always serve the giver of land in heaven. (13-61-83)
modate ca sukhaṃ svarge devagandharvapūjitaḥ। yo dadāti mahīṃ samyagvidhineha dvijātaye ॥13-61-84॥
He who, here, gives land properly in accordance with the rules to a twice-born enjoys happiness in heaven and is honored by gods and gandharvas. (13-61-84)
śatam apsarasaś caiva divya-mālya-vibhūṣitāḥ। upatiṣṭhanti deva-indra sadā bhūmi-pradaṃ naram ॥13-61-85॥
O lord of gods, a hundred celestial nymphs adorned with divine garlands always attend upon the man who gives land. (13-61-85)
śaṅkhaṃ bhadrāsanaṃ chatraṃ varāśvā varavāraṇāḥ। bhūmipradānātpuṣpāṇi hiraṇyanicayāstathā ॥13-61-86॥
Conches, auspicious seats, parasols, excellent horses, excellent elephants; as well as flowers and heaps of gold, come from the gift of land. (13-61-86)
ājñā sadāpratihata jayaśabdo bhavatyatha। bhūmidānasya puṣpāṇi phalaṃ svargaḥ puraṃdara ॥13-61-87॥
O Purandara, command is always unhindered; then the sound of victory arises. Of the gift of land, the flowers are its offering, but its fruit is heaven. (13-61-87)
hiraṇya-puṣpāś c'auṣadhyaḥ kuśa-kāñcana-śāḍvalāḥ। amṛta-prasavāṃ bhūmiṃ prāpnoti puruṣo dadat ॥13-61-88॥
A man who gives attains (reaches) an earth filled with golden-flowered medicinal herbs, kusa grass, golden meadows, and abundance yielding ambrosia. (13-61-88)
nāsti bhūmisamaṃ dānaṃ nāsti mātṛsamo guruḥ। nāsti satyasamo dharmo nāsti dānasamo nidhiḥ ॥13-61-89॥
There is no gift equal to the earth, no teacher equal to the mother, no righteousness equal to truth, and no treasure equal to giving. (13-61-89)
etad āṅgirasaāc chrutvā vāsavo vasudhām imām। vasuratnasamākīrṇāṃ dadāv āṅgirase tadā॥13-61-90॥
Having heard this from Aṅgiras, Vāsava then gave this earth, filled with riches and jewels, to Aṅgiras. (13-61-90)
ya imaṃ śrāvayeccchrāddhe bhūmidānasya saṃstavam। na tasya rakṣasāṃ bhāgo nāsurāṇāṃ bhavatyuta ॥13-61-91॥
Whoever causes this praise of the gift of land to be heard at the Śrāddha ceremony, for him there is indeed no share of the Rākṣasas or Asuras. (13-61-91)
akṣayaṁ ca bhaveddattaṁ pitṛbhyas-tanna saṁśayaḥ। tasmācchrāddheṣvidaṁ vipro bhuñjataḥ śrāvayeddvijān ॥13-61-92॥
"A gift made to the ancestors becomes imperishable—of this there is no doubt. Therefore, during the śrāddha rites, the Brahmin should cause this to be heard to the twice-born while eating." (13-61-92)
ity etat sarva-dānānāṃ śreṣṭham uktaṃ tavānagha। mayā bharata-śārdūla kiṃ bhūyaḥ śrotum icchasi॥13-61-93॥
O sinless one, thus the best of all gifts has been explained to you by me, O tiger among the Bharatas. What more do you wish to hear? (13-61-93)
