13.072
ब्रह्मोवाच॥
Brahmā said.
योऽयं प्रश्नस्त्वया पृष्टो गोप्रदानाधिकारवान्। नास्य प्रष्टास्ति लोकेऽस्मिंस्त्वत्तोऽन्यो हि शतक्रतो ॥१३-७२-१॥
O Śatakratu, this question about the authority for cow-bestowal, which has been asked by you—there is surely no one else in this world other than you to ask it. (13-72-1)
सन्ति नानाविधा लोका यांस्त्वं शक्र न पश्यसि। पश्यामि यानहं लोकानेकपत्न्यश्च याः स्त्रियः ॥१३-७२-२॥
There are many kinds of worlds that you, O Śakra, do not see. I see those worlds, and the women who each have one husband. (13-72-2)
कर्मभिश्चापि सुशुभैः सुव्रता ऋषयस्तथा। सशरीरा हि तान्यान्ति ब्राह्मणाः शुभवृत्तयः ॥१३-७२-३॥
Brāhmaṇas of auspicious conduct, performing very auspicious actions and possessing good vows, just like the sages, indeed go to those [states] even with their bodies. (13-72-3)
शरीरन्यासमोक्षेण मनसा निर्मलेन च। स्वप्नभूतांश्च ताँल्लोकान्पश्यन्तीहापि सुव्रताः ॥१३-७२-४॥
By bodily withdrawal and with a pure mind, the virtuous, while still here, see those worlds as if in a dream. (13-72-4)
ते तु लोकाः सहस्राक्ष शृणु यादृग्गुणान्विताः। न तत्र क्रमते कालो न जरा न च पापकम् ॥ तथान्यन्नाशुभं किञ्चिन्न व्याधिस्तत्र न क्लमः ॥१३-७२-५॥
O thousand-eyed, listen: those worlds are endowed with such qualities. There, time does not enter; neither old age, nor evil is present. Likewise, there is nothing else inauspicious, no disease, and no fatigue. (13-72-5)
यद्यच्च गावो मनसा तस्मिन्वाञ्छन्ति वासव। तत्सर्वं प्रापयन्ति स्म मम प्रत्यक्षदर्शनात् ॥ कामगाः कामचारिण्यः कामात्कामांश्च भुञ्जते ॥१३-७२-६॥
O Vāsava, whatever the cows desired in their mind of him, they all indeed made available for me by direct perception. These cows, moving and acting as they wish, enjoy all pleasures they wish for. (13-72-6)
वाप्यः सरांसि सरितो विविधानि वनानि च। गृहाणि पर्वताश्चैव यावद्द्रव्यं च किञ्चन ॥१३-७२-७॥
Tanks, lakes, rivers, various forests, houses, mountains, all kinds of wealth and possessions—whatever there is. (13-72-7)
मनोज्ञं सर्वभूतेभ्यः सर्वं तत्र प्रदृश्यते। ईदृशान्विद्धि ताँल्लोकान्नास्ति लोकस्ततोऽधिकः ॥१३-७२-८॥
Everything seen there is pleasing to the mind and beneficial to all beings. Know such worlds; there is no world greater than those. (13-72-8)
तत्र सर्वसहाः क्षान्ता वत्सला गुरुवर्तिनः। अहङ्कारैर्विरहिता यान्ति शक्र नरोत्तमाः ॥१३-७२-९॥
There, O Śakra, those who are tolerant of all, forgiving, loving, obedient to elders, and free from pride become the best among men. (13-72-9)
यः सर्वमांसानि न भक्षयीत; पुमान्सदा यावदन्ताय युक्तः। मातापित्रोरर्चिता सत्ययुक्तः; शुश्रूषिता ब्राह्मणानामनिन्द्यः ॥१३-७२-१०॥
He who does not eat any kind of flesh, who is always devoted until the end, who honors his mother and father, is devoted to truth, who serves the brāhmaṇas and is blameless, (13-72-10)
अक्रोधनो गोषु तथा द्विजेषु; धर्मे रतो गुरुशुश्रूषकश्च। यावज्जीवं सत्यवृत्ते रतश्च; दाने रतो यः क्षमी चापराधे ॥१३-७२-११॥
He who is not wrathful toward cows or the twice-born, who delights in dharma, who serves his elders; who throughout his life remains engaged in truthfulness, is devoted to giving, is forgiving and in matters of offence, (13-72-11).
मृदुर्दान्तो देवपरायणश्च; सर्वातिथिश्चापि तथा दयावान्। ईदृग्गुणो मानवः सम्प्रयाति; लोकं गवां शाश्वतं चाव्ययं च ॥१३-७२-१२॥
A gentle, self-restrained, god-devoted, universally hospitable, and compassionate person—such a person proceeds to the eternal and indestructible realm of the cows. (13-72-12)
न पारदारी पश्यति लोकमेनं; न वै गुरुघ्नो न मृषाप्रलापी। सदापवादी ब्राह्मणः शान्तवेदो; दोषैरन्यैर्यश्च युक्तो दुरात्मा ॥१३-७२-१३॥
He is not an adulterer who sees these people, nor a killer of the teacher, nor a liar. (But) always a Brāhmaṇa who is a slanderer whose Vedas are inactive, and who is endowed with other faults, is wicked-souled. (13-72-13)
न मित्रध्रुङ्नैकृतिकः कृतघ्नः; शठोऽनृजुर्धर्मविद्वेषकश्च। न ब्रह्महा मनसापि प्रपश्ये; द्गवां लोकं पुण्यकृतां निवासम् ॥१३-७२-१४॥
Neither the betrayer of a friend, nor the hypocrite, the ingrate, the deceitful, the dishonest, the hater of righteousness, nor a slayer of a Brāhmaṇa can ever, even in mind, behold the realm that is the abode of the virtuous and blessed. (13-72-14)
एतत्ते सर्वमाख्यातं नैपुणेन सुरेश्वर। गोप्रदानरतानां तु फलं शृणु शतक्रतो ॥१३-७२-१५॥
O lord of the gods, all this has been told to you with skill; but now, O Indra, listen to the result of those devoted to giving cows. (13-72-15)
दायाद्यलब्धैरर्थैर्यो गाः क्रीत्वा सम्प्रयच्छति। धर्मार्जितधनक्रीतान्स लोकानश्नुतेऽक्षयान् ॥१३-७२-१६॥
He who, with inherited wealth, buys cows and gives them as gifts attains those imperishable worlds earned by righteously obtained wealth. (13-72-16)
यो वै द्यूते धनं जित्वा गाः क्रीत्वा सम्प्रयच्छति। स दिव्यमयुतं शक्र वर्षाणां फलमश्नुते ॥१३-७२-१७॥
Whoever indeed, having gained wealth in gambling and then purchases cows and gives them away, he enjoys the fruit of ten thousand years in the heavenly realm of Indra. (13-72-17)
दायाद्या यस्य वै गावो न्यायपूर्वैरुपार्जिताः। प्रदत्तास्ताः प्रदातॄणां सम्भवन्त्यक्षया ध्रुवाः ॥१३-७२-१८॥
The cows righteously acquired by heirs and given away, indeed, certainly bring imperishable benefits to the donors. (13-72-18)
प्रतिगृह्य च यो दद्याद्गाः सुशुद्धेन चेतसा। तस्यापीहाक्षयाँल्लोकान्ध्रुवान्विद्धि शचीपते ॥१३-७२-१९॥
O lord of Śacī, know that even for him who, after accepting, gives cows with a very pure mind, here exist steady, imperishable worlds. (13-72-19)
जन्मप्रभृति सत्यं च यो ब्रूयान्नियतेन्द्रियः। गुरुद्विजसहः क्षान्तस्तस्य गोभिः समा गतिः ॥१३-७२-२०॥
He who speaks truth from birth, whose senses are restrained, who endures elders and the twice-born, and is forbearing—his attainment is equal to that of the cows. (13-72-20)
न जातु ब्राह्मणो वाच्यो यदवाच्यं शचीपते। मनसा गोषु न द्रुह्येद्गोवृत्तिर्गोनुकम्पकः ॥१३-७२-२१॥
O lord of Śacī (Indra), a Brāhmaṇa should never be spoken of in a manner that is improper. One who is devoted to cows and compassionate towards them should never harbor any ill intent toward cows, even in thought. (13-72-21)
सत्ये धर्मे च निरतस्तस्य शक्र फलं शृणु। गोसहस्रेण समिता तस्य धेनुर्भवत्युत ॥१३-७२-२२॥
O Indra, hear: The fruit of him who is engaged in truth and righteousness is that his cow becomes equal to a thousand cows. (13-72-22)
क्षत्रियस्य गुणैरेभिरन्वितस्य फलं शृणु। तस्यापि शततुल्या गौर्भवतीति विनिश्चयः ॥१३-७२-२३॥
Hear the fruit of a kṣatriya who is endowed with these virtues: for him too, a single cow becomes equal to a hundred—this is certain. (13-72-23)
वैश्यस्यैते यदि गुणास्तस्य पञ्चाशतं भवेत्। शूद्रस्यापि विनीतस्य चतुर्भागफलं स्मृतम् ॥१३-७२-२४॥
If these qualities are found in the Vaiśya, his share is fifty. For the humble Śūdra also, it is remembered that he receives one-fourth of the fruit. (13-72-24)
एतच्चैवं योऽनुतिष्ठेत युक्तः; सत्येन युक्तो गुरुशुश्रूषया च। दान्तः क्षान्तो देवतार्ची प्रशान्तः; शुचिर्बुद्धो धर्मशीलोऽनहंवाक् ॥१३-७२-२५॥
Whoever, being self-controlled, performs this as thus stated, engaged in truth and in service to the teacher; who is subdued, patient, a worshipper of the gods, calm, pure, wise, righteous, and without arrogance in speech—he indeed (is laudable). (13-72-25)
महत्फलं प्राप्नुते स द्विजाय; दत्त्वा दोग्ध्रीं विधिनानेन धेनुम्। नित्यं दद्यादेकभक्तः सदा च; सत्ये स्थितो गुरुशुश्रूषिता च ॥१३-७२-२६॥
He obtains great reward who, having given a milk-yielding cow to a Brāhmaṇa in accordance with this rule, always gives, takes food only once a day, is always established in truth, and has served his teacher. (13-72-26)
वेदाध्यायी गोषु यो भक्तिमांश्च; नित्यं दृष्ट्वा योऽभिनन्देत गाश्च। आ जातितो यश्च गवां नमेत; इदं फलं शक्र निबोध तस्य ॥१३-७२-२७॥
He who, being a Veda-reciter, is devoted among cows, and who always greets the cows when he sees them, and who bows to cows from birth—O Śakra, understand this is the fruit belonging to him. (13-72-27)
यत्स्यादिष्ट्वा राजसूये फलं तु; यत्स्यादिष्ट्वा बहुना काञ्चनेन। एतत्तुल्यं फलमस्याहुरग्र्यं; सर्वे सन्तस्त्वृषयो ये च सिद्धाः ॥१३-७२-२८॥
The reward attained by performing the Rājasūya sacrifice, and the reward attained by worship with abundant gold—these, all sages, good people, and accomplished ones say, are equal to the highest fruit of this. (13-72-28)
योऽग्रं भक्तान्किञ्चिदप्राश्य दद्या; द्गोभ्यो नित्यं गोव्रती सत्यवादी। शान्तो बुद्धो गोसहस्रस्य पुण्यं; संवत्सरेणाप्नुयात्पुण्यशीलः ॥१३-७२-२९॥
He who, without eating even a little of the first portion, gives it to devotees, always gives to cows, observes the vow concerning cows, speaks the truth, is peaceful and wise—such a virtuous person gains the merit of giving a thousand cows in a year. (13-72-29)
य एकं भक्तमश्नीयाद्दद्यादेकं गवां च यत्। दश वर्षाण्यनन्तानि गोव्रती गोनुकम्पकः ॥१३-७२-३०॥
Whoever should eat one cooked-rice and should give one thing of cows also, he who observes the vow regarding cows and is a protector of cows obtains endless ten years of merit. (13-72-30)
एकेनैव च भक्तेन यः क्रीत्वा गां प्रयच्छति। यावन्ति तस्य प्रोक्तानि दिवसानि शतक्रतो ॥ तावच्छतानां स गवां फलमाप्नोति शाश्वतम् ॥१३-७२-३१॥
If a devotee purchases and gives a single cow, O Indra, then for as many days as are spoken (prescribed), he obtains the eternal fruit of hundreds of cows. (13-72-31)
ब्राह्मणस्य फलं हीदं क्षत्रियेऽभिहितं शृणु। पञ्चवार्षिकमेतत्तु क्षत्रियस्य फलं स्मृतम् ॥ ततोऽर्धेन तु वैश्यस्य शूद्रो वैश्यार्धतः स्मृतः ॥१३-७२-३२॥
The reward of a Brāhmaṇa—listen to what is declared for a Kṣatriya. This is considered the Kṣatriya’s reward for five years. Thereafter, the Vaiśya receives half of that, and a Śūdra is regarded as receiving half of the Vaiśya’s portion. (13-72-32)
यश्चात्मविक्रयं कृत्वा गाः क्रीत्वा सम्प्रयच्छति। यावतीः स्पर्शयेद्गा वै तावत्तु फलमश्नुते ॥ लोम्नि लोम्नि महाभाग लोकाश्चास्याक्षयाः स्मृताः ॥१३-७२-३३॥
Whoever, having sold himself, purchases cows and gives them away; for as many cows as he touches, he attains reward accordingly. On each and every hair, O greatly fortunate one, imperishable worlds for him are declared. (13-72-33)
सङ्ग्रामेष्वर्जयित्वा तु यो वै गाः सम्प्रयच्छति। आत्मविक्रयतुल्यास्ताः शाश्वता विद्धि कौशिक ॥१३-७२-३४॥
O Kauśika, know that those who give cows acquired in battles, their gift is as if they have sold themselves; such gifts are enduring. (13-72-34)
अलाभे यो गवां दद्यात्तिलधेनुं यतव्रतः। दुर्गात्स तारितो धेन्वा क्षीरनद्यां प्रमोदते ॥१३-७२-३५॥
If one who is self-restrained in vow, in case cows are not available, gives a cow made of sesame seeds, he is rescued from peril by a cow and rejoices in the river of milk. (13-72-35)
न त्वेवासां दानमात्रं प्रशस्तं; पात्रं कालो गोविशेषो विधिश्च। कालज्ञानं विप्र गवान्तरं हि; दुःखं ज्ञातुं पावकादित्यभूतम् ॥१३-७२-३६॥
The mere act of giving these is not truly praiseworthy; one must consider the recipient, the timing, the particular kind of cow, and the rule. Knowing the correct time and the differences among cows, O Brāhmaṇa, is truly difficult—to discern the subtleties related to fire, the sun, and the elements. (13-72-36)
स्वाध्यायाढ्यं शुद्धयोनिं प्रशान्तं; वैतानस्थं पापभीरुं कृतज्ञम्। गोषु क्षान्तं नातितीक्ष्णं शरण्यं; वृत्तिग्लानं तादृशं पात्रमाहुः ॥१३-७२-३७॥
One who is abundant in self-study, of pure lineage, peaceful, engaged in Vaitāna rites, afraid of sin, grateful; who is patient towards cows, not excessively harsh, offers refuge, and whose livelihood is distressed—such a person, they say, is a fit recipient. (13-72-37)
वृत्तिग्लाने सीदति चातिमात्रं; कृष्यर्थं वा होमहेतोः प्रसूत्याम्। गुर्वर्थं वा बालसंवृद्धये वा; धेनुं दद्याद्देशकाले विशिष्टे ॥१३-७२-३८॥
If a cow is excessively weakened by old age, or for purposes such as agriculture, sacrificial rites, after giving birth, for the benefit of a teacher, or for raising a child, then one should give a cow at the proper place and time. (13-72-38)
अन्तर्जाताः सुक्रयज्ञानलब्धाः; प्राणक्रीता निर्जिताश्चौकजाश्च। कृच्छ्रोत्सृष्टाः पोषणाभ्यागताश्च; द्वारैरेतैर्गोविशेषाः प्रशस्ताः ॥१३-७२-३९॥
Cows of these special categories—those born within, properly purchased and known, acquired by ransoming life, won in contests, secured from cattle pens, released due to distress, and those that have come for nourishment—are all regarded as commendable. (13-72-39)
बलान्विताः शीलवयोपपन्नाः; सर्वाः प्रशंसन्ति सुगन्धवत्यः। यथा हि गङ्गा सरितां वरिष्ठा; तथार्जुनीनां कपिला वरिष्ठा ॥१३-७२-४०॥
Endowed with strength, possessing good character and age, all praise the fragrant ones. Just as Gaṅgā is the foremost among rivers, so the tawny cow is the best among arjunī cows. (13-72-40)
तिस्रो रात्रीस्त्वद्भिरुपोष्य भूमौ; तृप्ता गावस्तर्पितेभ्यः प्रदेयाः। वत्सैः पुष्टैः क्षीरपैः सुप्रचारा; स्त्र्यहं दत्त्वा गोरसैर्वर्तितव्यम् ॥१३-७२-४१॥
You must fast on the ground for three nights; afterward, cows that are satisfied should be given to those who are satisfied. With well-nourished, milk-drinking, well-behaved calves (attached), after giving them for three days, one should sustain oneself only on cow products. (13-72-41)
दत्त्वा धेनुं सुव्रतां साधुवत्सां; कल्याणवृत्तामपलायिनीं च। यावन्ति लोमानि भवन्ति तस्या; स्तावन्ति वर्षाणि वसत्यमुत्र ॥१३-७२-४२॥
One who gives a cow of good vows, with a good calf, auspicious conduct, and not running away—he dwells there (in heaven) for as many years as there are hairs on her body. (13-72-42)
तथानड्वाहं ब्राह्मणायाथ धुर्यं; दत्त्वा युवानं बलिनं विनीतम्। हलस्य वोढारमनन्तवीर्यं; प्राप्नोति लोकान्दशधेनुदस्य ॥१३-७२-४३॥
In this way, one who gives a young, strong, and well-trained draught animal—capable of bearing the plough and of endless strength—to a Brāhmaṇa, attains the worlds (merit) that are obtained by the giver of ten cows. (13-72-43)
कान्तारे ब्राह्मणान्गाश्च यः परित्राति कौशिक। क्षेमेण च विमुच्येत तस्य पुण्यफलं शृणु ॥ अश्वमेधक्रतोस्तुल्यं फलं भवति शाश्वतम् ॥१३-७२-४४॥
O Kauśika, whoever rescues Brāhmaṇas and cows in the forest and brings them to safety, listen to the merit he obtains: he gains an eternal result equal to that of an Aśvamedha sacrifice. (13-72-44)
मृत्युकाले सहस्राक्ष यां वृत्तिमनुकाङ्क्षते। लोकान्बहुविधान्दिव्यान्यद्वास्य हृदि वर्तते ॥१३-७२-४५॥
O Thousand-eyed one, at the time of death, whichever state a person desires or whichever diverse divine worlds are present in his heart, (13-72-45)
तत्सर्वं समवाप्नोति कर्मणा तेन मानवः। गोभिश्च समनुज्ञातः सर्वत्र स महीयते ॥१३-७२-४६॥
That human being, by such action, attains all; being approved by the cows also, he is honored everywhere. (13-72-46)
यस्त्वेतेनैव विधिना गां वनेष्वनुगच्छति। तृणगोमयपर्णाशी निःस्पृहो नियतः शुचिः ॥१३-७२-४७॥
But he who, by this same method, follows the cow (the earth) in the forests, subsisting on grass, cow-dung, and leaves, being free from desire, disciplined, and pure, (he is virtuous). (13-72-47)
अकामं तेन वस्तव्यं मुदितेन शतक्रतो। मम लोके सुरैः सार्धं लोके यत्रापि चेच्छति ॥१३-७२-४८॥
O Śatakratu, without desire, he should live joyfully in my world, together with the gods, wherever he may wish, in any world. (13-72-48)
