Shloka 42

Praise of Vṛṣotsarga (Bull-release), Worthy Dāna, and the Procedure for Kṣayāha & Ūrdhva-daihika Rites

Devanagari script

आत्मवित्तानुसारेण तच्च दानमनन्तकम् / भवसागरमग्नानां शोकतापार्तिदुः खिनाम्

Transliteration

ātmavittānusāreṇa tacca dānamanantakam / bhavasāgaramagnānāṃ śokatāpārtiduḥ khinām

Translation

Wird eine Gabe dem eigenen Vermögen entsprechend dargebracht, so wird eben diese Wohltätigkeit in ihrer Frucht unerschöpflich—besonders für jene, die im Ozean des Samsara versunken sind, von Kummer bedrängt, von brennender Qual gepeinigt und von Not und Leid erschüttert.

Word by Word

• आत्मवित्तानुसारेण: according to one’s means
• आत्मवित्तानुसारेण: Kriya (Adverbial qualifier/क्रियाविशेषण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: आत्मवित्त + अनुसार (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: समासान्त-तृतीया एकवचनरूपेण अव्ययीभाववत् प्रयोगः; तृतीया-विभक्ति-एकवचन (करण/अनुसरण); 'according to one's own wealth'

• तत्: that
• तत्: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: तद् (सर्वनाम-प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; Pronoun, nominative singular (correlative)

• च: and
• च: Sambandha (Connector/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च (अव्यय)
• Form: समुच्चयबोधक अव्यय (conjunction)

• दानम्: gift/charity
• दानम्: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: दान (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; Nominative singular

• अनन्तकम्: endless; very great
• अनन्तकम्: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: अनन्तक (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; Nominative singular qualifying दानम्

• भवसागरमग्नानाम्: of those sunk in the ocean of worldly existence
• भवसागरमग्नानाम्: Sambandha (Relation/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: भव + सागर + मग्न (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: तत्पुरुष-समास (भवस्य सागरः; तस्मिन् मग्नाः); पुंलिङ्ग, षष्ठी-विभक्ति, बहुवचन; Genitive plural

• शोकतापार्तिदुःखिनाम्: of the afflicted and sorrowful (with grief, heat, distress)
• शोकतापार्तिदुःखिनाम्: Sambandha (Relation/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: शोक + ताप + आर्ति + दुःखिन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: समाहार-तत्पुरुषसमास (शोक-ताप-आर्ति-युक्ताः दुःखिनः); पुंलिङ्ग, षष्ठी-विभक्ति, बहुवचन; Genitive plural

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Dāna according to one’s means yields akṣaya-phala (inexhaustible merit), especially for those afflicted by saṃsāra’s sorrows.

Vedantic Theme: Karma-yoga orientation: right action without overreach; grace of dharma that transforms limited means into lasting spiritual fruit.

Application: Give regularly within capacity (money, food, service); avoid shame or pride; prioritize consistent compassionate giving, especially in contexts of bereavement and support.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: karuna

Secondary Rasa: shanta

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana: akṣaya-phala claims for śrāddha-dāna and tiladāna in adjacent verses; Garuda Purana: bhava-sāgara imagery in mokṣa-oriented passages

Characters & Entities

• Garuda
• Vishnu

FAQs

What is the importance of dāna according to one’s means in Garuda Purana?

This verse teaches that charity done within one’s capacity is spiritually “anantaka”—its merit is not diminished by smallness, but becomes enduring because it aligns with dharma and sincere intent.

How does this verse relate to suffering and the soul’s journey after death?

In the Preta Kanda context, dāna is presented as a remedial dharmic act that supports beings burdened by saṃsāra—those weighed down by grief and affliction—thereby easing the karmic and emotional conditions tied to post-death rites and remembrance.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Give regularly without overreaching—offer food, clothing, or support to the needy in a way that is sustainable; the Purana emphasizes sincerity and proportionate giving as a lasting dharmic practice.