Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 28
Pūru-vaṁśa, Duṣmanta–Śakuntalā, and the Rise of Mahārāja Bharata
मृगाञ्छुक्लदत: कृष्णान् हिरण्येन परीवृतान् । अदात् कर्मणि मष्णारे नियुतानि चतुर्दश ॥ २८ ॥
mṛgāñ chukla-dataḥ kṛṣṇān hiraṇyena parīvṛtān adāt karmaṇi maṣṇāre niyutāni caturdaśa
When Mahārāja Bharata performed the sacrifice known as Maṣṇāra [or a sacrifice in the place known as Maṣṇāra], he gave in charity fourteen lakhs of excellent elephants with white tusks and black bodies, completely covered with golden ornaments.
FAQs
This verse highlights that generous dakṣiṇā—valuable gifts offered as part of sacrifice—was considered an essential expression of dharma and gratitude within Vedic rites.
The verse describes the opulence of the sacrificial gifts: black deer with white teeth, ornamented with gold, indicating both ritual propriety and the giver’s extraordinary generosity.
Offer resources sincerely in sacred or service-oriented contexts—supporting teachers, temples, and dharmic causes—while keeping the spirit of gratitude and responsibility central.