Shloka 32
Bhūmi-dānasya Māhātmya
The Pre-eminence of Land-Gift
तडागकृद् वृक्षरोपी इष्टयज्ञश्न यो द्विज: । एते स्वर्गे महीयन्ते ये चान्ये सत्यवादिन:
taḍāgakṛd vṛkṣaropī iṣṭayajñaś ca yo dvijaḥ | ete svarge mahīyante ye cānye satyavādinaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: The twice-born who builds ponds, who plants trees, and who duly performs sacrifices—such men are honored in heaven; and so too are others who are devoted to speaking the truth. The teaching praises public beneficence, sacred duty, and truthfulness as dharmic acts that lead to exalted merit.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Acts that benefit society (building ponds, planting trees), faithful performance of sacred duties (yajña), and unwavering truthfulness are praised as high dharma and are said to bring honor in heaven.
In Bhīṣma’s instruction on dharma (Anuśāsana Parva), he lists specific virtuous deeds and declares that such righteous people—especially truth-speakers—are esteemed in svarga.