Shloka 2
Bhūmi-dāna, Satya-dharma, and the Non-cancellation of Sin by Charity
आदित्यो वरुणो विष्णुर्ब्रह्मा सोमो हुताशनः / शूलपाणिश्च भगवानभिनन्दति भूमिदम्
ādityo varuṇo viṣṇurbrahmā somo hutāśanaḥ / śūlapāṇiśca bhagavānabhinandati bhūmidam
Āditya (the Sun), Varuṇa, Viṣṇu, Brahmā, Soma (the Moon), Hutāśana (Agni), and the blessed Śūlapāṇi (Śiva) all approve of and rejoice in the one who gives land.
Lord Vishnu (teaching Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Bhū-dāna (gift of land) is a supreme charitable act approved by multiple deities, implying great puṇya and social-sacral benefit.
Vedantic Theme: Dāna as purifying karma; stewardship and relinquishment (tyāga) reducing possessiveness (mamatā) and supporting dharma in society.
Application: Support dharmic institutions and livelihoods through substantial, sustainable giving (land/resources), done with proper intention and lawful means.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: donation/royal-charitable venue (dāna-sabhā or household ceremony)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: dāna-mahātmyas and vṛṣotsarga/bhū-dāna discussions in this chapter’s context (2.42 heading)
FAQs
This verse states that major deities collectively praise the giver of land, presenting bhūmi-dāna as a high form of dharmic charity that generates strong puṇya (merit), often recommended in contexts of rites for the departed.
In the Preta Kanda, charity and prescribed gifts are taught as supports that increase merit for the deceased and family, easing the preta’s condition and strengthening auspicious outcomes; this verse highlights land-gift as especially meritorious.
Practice dāna according to capacity—support land-related causes (temple land endowments, shelters, food/education facilities) or equivalent charitable giving—done with sincerity and dharmic intent, especially around śrāddha and remembrance rites.