Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 38
Devas in Dvārakā, Brahmā’s Petition, and Uddhava’s Appeal
Prabhāsa Departure Set-Up
वयं च तस्मिन्नाप्लुत्य तर्पयित्वा पितृन् सुरान् । भोजयित्वोषिजो विप्रान् नानागुणवतान्धसा ॥ ३७ ॥ तेषु दानानि पात्रेषु श्रद्धयोप्त्वा महान्ति वै । वृजिनानि तरिष्यामो दानैर्नौभिरिवार्णवम् ॥ ३८ ॥
vayaṁ ca tasminn āplutya tarpayitvā pitṝn surān bhojayitvoṣijo viprān nānā-guṇavatāndhasā
By bathing at the holy Prabhāsa-kṣetra, offering tarpaṇa and sacrifice to satisfy the forefathers and the devas, feeding the worshipful brāhmaṇas with many delicious foods, and bestowing upon them—worthy vessels of charity—great gifts with faith, we shall surely cross beyond these dreadful dangers, just as one crosses a vast ocean in a proper boat.
FAQs
This verse teaches that giving great gifts with faith to worthy recipients helps one “cross over” misfortune and sinful reactions, just as boats help one cross an ocean.
The verse presents a complete dharmic sequence—purification by bathing, honoring forefathers and demigods, and serving brāhmaṇas—culminating in faithful charity to alleviate distress and create auspiciousness.
Give regularly with śraddhā (faith) to genuinely worthy causes and spiritually grounded persons, and pair charity with purity, gratitude, and service-mindedness rather than mere display.