Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 21
The Anukramaṇikā (Contents-Outline) of the Vāmana Purāṇa
विप्राय वेदविदुषे घृतधेनुसमन्वितम् । स समुद्धृत्य नरकान्नयेत्स्वर्गं पितॄन्स्वकान् ॥ २१ ॥
viprāya vedaviduṣe ghṛtadhenusamanvitam | sa samuddhṛtya narakānnayetsvargaṃ pitṝnsvakān || 21 ||
Wer einem vedakundigen Brāhmaṇa eine „Ghee-Kuh“ (eine Kuh, versehen mit Ghee und den rechten Gaben) schenkt—ein solcher Spender hebt seine eigenen Ahnen aus der Hölle empor und führt sie in den Himmel.
Narada (teaching in the Anukramanika-style summary of dharmic rites and gifts)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that properly directed dāna—especially to a Veda-knowing Brāhmaṇa—creates merit powerful enough to benefit not only the giver but also the giver’s lineage, rescuing the pitṛs from naraka and granting svarga.
While the verse focuses on dāna, it aligns with bhakti-dharma by emphasizing selfless, reverential giving to uphold Vedic order; such acts are treated as devotional service when performed with faith and purity.
The verse implies correct ritual procedure and eligibility: gifts are to be given to a qualified vedavid (Veda-knower), reflecting the dharmic application of Kalpa (ritual discipline) and proper dāna-vidhi.