13.073
Indra said.
I wish to know what indeed would be the course (fate) of one who, knowing, takes away or sells a cow for the sake of wealth. (13-73-1)
Brahmā said.
Whether one commits theft for eating, selling, charity, or to give to a Brāhmaṇa — listen here to the result of such an act. (13-73-2)
Indeed, one who, unrestrained, kills or eats (an animal) for the sake of sale, and those who desire profit and approve of a person subject to being killed, (are blameworthy). (13-73-3)
The killer, the eater, and also the one who permits—each sinks for as many years as the number of her hairs. (13-73-4)
O lord, the faults of such kind as found in injury to the sacrifice of the twice-born, as well as in sale and theft, are indeed regarded as those (same) faults. (13-73-5)
But whoever, having stolen a cow, gives it to a Brāhmaṇa, for as long as he enjoys the fruit of that gift, so long he goes to hell. (13-73-6)
O highly radiant one, in the giving of a cow, they say gold is the (proper) gift. Indeed, gold is said to be the supreme offering for this purpose, without doubt. (13-73-7)
The gift of a cow enables seven ancestors and seven descendants to cross over, and it is said that by giving gold as a Dakṣiṇā, the benefit is double that amount. (13-73-8)
Gold is considered the highest gift and offering. O Indra, it is the supreme purifier among all purifiers. (13-73-9)
O Śatakratu, they declare gold to be the purifier of families. This, O greatly radiant one, is said by me in brief as the sacrificial fee. (13-73-10)
Bhishma said;
O best of the Bharatas, this was spoken by the grandfather to Indra. Indra spoke to Daśaratha, and likewise the father to Rāma. (13-73-11)
Rāghava also spoke to his dear, illustrious brother Lakṣmaṇa what Lakṣmaṇa had said to the sages while dwelling in the forest, O lord. (13-73-12)
Yudhiṣṭhira, this has been handed down by tradition—sages devoted to austere vows and righteous kings have upheld these difficult teachings; this too was explained to me by my preceptor. (13-73-13)
A Brāhmaṇa should always recite this in the assembly of Brāhmaṇas, during sacrifices, in the giving of cows, and whenever both come together. (13-73-14)
Brahmā, the venerable Supreme Lord, said: "Indeed, his worlds are always imperishable together with the deities." (13-73-15)
