Shloka 32
Tila–Darbha–Maṇḍala in Aūrdhvadaihika: Protection, Eligibility, and the Merit of Salt-Dāna
विशेषाल्लवणं दानं तेन शंसन्ति योगिनः / ब्राह्मण क्षत्त्रियविशां स्त्रीणां शूद्रजनस्य च
viśeṣāllavaṇaṃ dānaṃ tena śaṃsanti yoginaḥ / brāhmaṇa kṣattriyaviśāṃ strīṇāṃ śūdrajanasya ca
Vor allem ist die Gabe von Salz besonders verdienstvoll; darum preisen die Yogins sie—eine Spende, die Brahmanen, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Frauen und auch Shudras zugutekommt.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Lavāṇa-dāna as a specially praised, universally applicable meritorious gift.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-yoga orientation: sanctifying action through selfless giving (niṣkāma-dāna) leading to inner purity.
Application: Include simple, essential gifts (like salt) in charity—especially to those in need—without discrimination.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa/Śrāddha sections praising specific dānas (anna, tila, vastra, pātra) as preta-upakāraka
FAQs
This verse states that among gifts, donating salt is considered especially meritorious and is praised by yogins, implying it is a highly recommended form of dāna within ritual and dharmic contexts.
No. It explicitly includes Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas, women, and Śūdras—indicating the benefit or applicability of this praised gift is universal across social categories.
Practice intentional charity by giving essential, life-sustaining items (like salt/food supplies) respectfully to those in need or through dharmic channels, as an accessible form of merit aligned with traditional dāna ethics.