13.099
Construction of gardens and other such things.
Yudhishthira said;
O delight of the Kurus, I desire to hear from you today what is the fruit of gardens and ponds, O best of the Bharatas. (13-99-1)
Bhishma said.
Here, the earth, which is very clear, covered with forests, adorned with diverse minerals, endowed with all seeds, and the best, is so called. (13-99-2)
I shall explain in order the special features of her field, the arrangement of the lakes, and all the things related to water. (13-99-3)
I shall describe also the qualities of constructed ponds; everywhere in the three worlds, the possessor of a pond is honored. (13-99-4)
Or, the abode of a friend, built with friendliness, promoting the increase of friendship, and causing fame, is the best construction of ponds. (13-99-5)
The wise say that the fruit of dharma, artha, and kāma is a well-constructed pond in a region—such a field alone is a great support. (13-99-6)
One should observe the pond for the four kinds of beings. All ponds bestow the highest prosperity. (13-99-7)
Gods, humans, gandharvas, ancestors, serpents, rākṣasas, immobile beings, and all creatures seek refuge in the reservoir of water. (13-99-8)
Therefore, I shall declare to you those qualities remembered of a pond, and the results that have been stated there by the sages. (13-99-9)
If in a pond water remains for a whole year, the wise declare that its owner obtains the fruit of an Agnihotra sacrifice. (13-99-10)
But in the autumn season, whoever has water remaining in a pond obtains after death the supreme fruit equal to (the merit of gifting) a thousand cows. (13-99-11)
Whoever in whose pond water remains during the hemanta (early winter) season, he indeed obtains the fruit of a sacrifice made with much gold. (13-99-12)
The wise say that the fruit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice belongs to one whose pond has water in the cold season. (13-99-13)
He whose well-made pond provides great shelter to living beings attains the fruit of the atirātra sacrifice. (13-99-14)
The sages declare that when water remains in a pond during the hot season, the merit gained by the owner is equal to that of performing a Vājapeya sacrifice. (13-99-15)
He whose pit or reservoir supplies water that is always drunk by cows, virtuous people, and men—his entire family is saved. (13-99-16)
He, in whose pond thirsty cows, deer, birds, and men drink water, obtains the fruit of the horse-sacrifice. (13-99-17)
Whatever water is drunk, bathed in, and rested by beings there—all of that belonging to the pond, after death, leads to endless (reward or benefit). (13-99-18)
Water is rare, O dear one, especially in the next world. By offering water, everlasting benefit or affection is obtained. (13-99-19)
Give sesame seeds, water, and lamps; stay awake. Rejoice together with your relatives, for this is difficult to obtain among the dead. (13-99-20)
O best of men, water excels and is more weighty than all gifts; therefore, it must certainly be given. (13-99-21)
Thus the supreme result pertaining to ponds has been declared. Hereafter, I will also describe the result concerning the planting of trees. (13-99-22)
There are six types of stationary beings: trees, shrubs, creepers, vines, those with bark as core, and types of grass. (13-99-23)
These are the species of trees, and these are their qualities when planted; fame in the world of humans, and after death, indeed, auspicious fruit. (13-99-24)
He attains a name in this world and is honoured by his ancestors; even the name of one who has reached the world of the gods does not perish. (13-99-25)
O Bhārata, one who plants trees saves both his ancestors of the past and future; therefore, one should plant trees. (13-99-26)
These trees become his sons; there is no doubt here. One who has gone to the other world attains heaven and the eternal worlds. (13-99-27)
Trees, dear one, honor the gods with flowers, the ancestors with fruits, and guests with their shade. (13-99-28)
Kinnaras, uragas, rakshasas, gods, gandharvas, humans—as well as groups of rishis—all take refuge in the trees. (13-99-29)
Trees that are blooming and bearing fruit satisfy people here, and just like sons, the trees one has given (or planted) help one cross over to the next world as well. (13-99-30)
Therefore, trees should always be planted in a pond by one who seeks welfare. These should be cared for like sons and are, according to righteousness, regarded as sons. (13-99-31)
Those twice-born who make ponds, plant trees, and perform auspicious sacrifices; and others who speak the truth—these are honored in heaven. (13-99-32)
Therefore, one should construct a pond, plant gardens, perform various sacrifices, and always speak the truth. (13-99-33)
