यममार्गे सुखदायकधर्माः
Dharmas that Grant Ease on the Path to Yama
त्रैलोक्ये यानि रत्नानि भोगस्त्रीवाहनानि च । अन्नदानप्रदस्सर्वमिहामुत्र च तल्लभेत्
trailokye yāni ratnāni bhogastrīvāhanāni ca | annadānapradassarvamihāmutra ca tallabhet
كلُّ الجواهر في العوالم الثلاثة، ومعها اللذّات والنساء الشريفات والمراكب—فإنّ مُعطي الطعام ينال ذلك كلَّه في هذا العالم وفي العالم الآخر أيضًا.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
The verse elevates annadāna (feeding others) as a supreme dharmic act that generates punya, supporting both material well-being and posthumous auspicious attainments; in Shaiva understanding, such charity purifies the pashu (bound soul) and prepares it for Shiva’s grace.
In Linga/Saguna Shiva worship, offerings and service to living beings are treated as service to Shiva present in all; annadāna becomes an extension of pūjā—moving from altar-offering to compassionate action, aligning devotion with dharma.
Practice annadāna as a vow—especially on Shiva days (Pradosha, Mondays, Mahashivratri)—after Shiva pūjā; feed devotees, the poor, or pilgrims while mentally offering the act to Shiva with the Panchakshara spirit of surrender (Om Namaḥ Śivāya).