Shloka 14
The Birth of Mahārāja Parīkṣit and Prophecies of His Greatness
हिरण्यं गां महीं ग्रामान् हस्त्यश्वान्नृपतिर्वरान् । प्रादात्स्वन्नं च विप्रेभ्य: प्रजातीर्थे स तीर्थवित् ॥ १४ ॥
hiraṇyaṁ gāṁ mahīṁ grāmān hasty-aśvān nṛpatir varān prādāt svannaṁ ca viprebhyaḥ prajā-tīrthe sa tīrthavit
Upon the birth of his son, the king—knowing the proper time, place, and manner of charity—gave the brāhmaṇas, at the fitting holy place, gold, cows, land, villages, elephants, horses, and fine grains.
Only the brāhmaṇas and sannyāsīs are authorized to accept charity from the householders. In all the different occasions of saṁskāras, especially during the time of birth, marriage and death, wealth is distributed to the brāhmaṇas because the brāhmaṇas give the highest quality of service in regard to the prime necessity of humankind. The charity was substantial in the shape of gold, land, villages, horses, elephants and food grains, with other materials for cooking complete foodstuff. The brāhmaṇas were not, therefore, poor in the actual sense of the term. On the contrary, because they possessed gold, land, villages, horses, elephants and sufficient grains, they had nothing to earn for themselves. They would simply devote themselves to the well-being of the entire society.
FAQs
This verse praises the ideal king who supports brāhmaṇas through generous charity—gold, cows, land, villages, animals, and food—especially in connection with sacred rites at holy places.
The verse describes the best of kings—Maharaja Parikshit—giving extensive charity to brāhmaṇas at Prajātīrtha, showing his knowledge of sacred customs and royal duty.
Practice dāna according to one’s capacity—support genuine spiritual learning and service, feed others, and offer resources responsibly—seeing charity as part of dharma and devotion rather than mere display.