Shloka 28
पितृश्व पितृलोकस्थान् देवलोकाच्च देवता: । संतर्पयति शान्तात्मा यो ददाति वसुन्धराम्,जो पृथ्वीका दान करता है, वह शान्ताचित्त पुरुष पितृलोकमें रहनेवाले पितरों तथा देवलोकसे आये हुए देवताओंको भी तृप्त कर देता है
pitṝṁś ca pitṛlokasthān devalokāc ca devatāḥ | santarpayati śāntātmā yo dadāti vasundharām ||
Bhīṣma said: The man of tranquil mind who gives the earth (land) in charity satisfies both the ancestors dwelling in the world of the Pitṛs and the gods of the heavenly realm.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The gift of land (vasundharā-dāna) is presented as an exceptionally powerful form of charity: it sustains life and livelihood in the visible world and, by its merit, spiritually gratifies both ancestors (Pitṛs) and gods (Devatās). Inner calm (śāntātmā) is highlighted as the ethical disposition that makes such giving truly dharmic.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction on dharma, Bhīṣma continues advising on the fruits of various gifts. Here he states that one who donates land, with a tranquil mind, brings satisfaction to the Pitṛs in Pitṛloka and to the gods of Devaloka—underscoring the cosmic reach of righteous generosity.