Shloka 15
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
स्वलङ्कृतेभ्यो गुणशीलवद्भ्य: सीदत्कुटुम्बेभ्य ऋतव्रतेभ्य: । तप:श्रुतब्रह्मवदान्यसद्भ्य: प्रादां युवभ्यो द्विजपुङ्गवेभ्य: ॥ १४ ॥ गोभूहिरण्यायतनाश्वहस्तिन: कन्या: सदासीस्तिलरूप्यशय्या: । वासांसि रत्नानि परिच्छदान् रथा- निष्टं च यज्ञैश्चरितं च पूर्तम् ॥ १५ ॥
sv-alaṅkṛtebhyo guṇa-śīlavadbhyaḥ sīdat-kuṭumbebhya ṛta-vratebhyaḥ tapaḥ-śruta-brahma-vadānya-sadbhyaḥ prādāṁ yuvabhyo dvija-puṅgavebhyaḥ
I first honored the brāhmaṇas who received my gifts by adorning them with fine ornaments. Those foremost twice-born were young, their families in need, yet rich in character and virtue—vowed to truth, famed for austerity, deeply learned in the Vedas, and saintly in conduct. I gave them cows, land, gold and houses, along with horses, elephants, marriageable girls with maidservants, and also sesame, silver, fine beds, clothing, jewels, furnishings and chariots. Moreover, I performed Vedic sacrifices and carried out various pious works for the welfare of all.
FAQs
This verse praises giving to exemplary brāhmaṇas—truthful, disciplined, learned, saintly, and in genuine need—showing that dāna should be guided by character and dharma, not mere display.
Because the recipients of sacred charity are ideally those who uphold satya, vrata, tapaḥ, and śruta—qualities that preserve spiritual culture and ensure that gifts support dharma.
Give thoughtfully to people and institutions that demonstrate integrity, spiritual discipline, and genuine service—especially where there is real hardship—rather than giving only for reputation.