Shloka 56
Veṅkaṭeśa-Māhātmya: Varāha Prelude, Descent of Śeṣācala, Svāmipuṣkariṇī and the Network of Tīrthas
with Dāna-Lakṣaṇas
अत्युत्तमं द्रव्यदानं च देवि स्वापेक्षितं दानमाहुर्महान्तः / स्वस्यानपेक्षं फलदानं च वस्त्रादानं तस्य व्यर्थमाहुर्महान्तः
atyuttamaṃ dravyadānaṃ ca devi svāpekṣitaṃ dānamāhurmahāntaḥ / svasyānapekṣaṃ phaladānaṃ ca vastrādānaṃ tasya vyarthamāhurmahāntaḥ
O Göttin, die Weisen erklären, dass die Gabe von Reichtum die höchste Form der Spende ist; und dass selbst ein Geschenk, das in Erwartung von Gegenleistung oder Anerkennung gegeben wird, noch „Geben“ heißt. Wenn aber jemand Früchte oder Gewänder darbringt und innerlich doch den eigenen Lohn erwartet, sagen die Weisen, wird solches Geben fruchtlos.
Lord Vishnu (teaching Garuda/Vinata-putra; the address 'devi' reflects the received verse reading)
Concept: Dāna bears fruit according to inner intention; expectation of reward/recognition undermines merit.
Vedantic Theme: Nishkāma-karma (action without attachment to results) as purifier of mind (citta-śuddhi).
Application: Give anonymously and without bargaining for praise, return favors, or spiritual ‘points’; examine motive before donating.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.26.57-60 (continuation on superior gifts and tīrtha context)
FAQs
This verse stresses that expectation for personal gain can nullify the spiritual fruit of a gift; charity becomes truly effective when offered without self-seeking.
In the Preta-kanda context, gifts (like clothes or food) are often connected with merit for the departed; the verse teaches that the merit depends not only on the item but on the giver’s inner motive.
Give support (money, food, clothes) quietly and without demanding recognition or returns; treat charity as dharma rather than a transaction for status or future reward.