Shloka 12
गोप्रदान-भूमिदान-विधि
Gopradāna–Bhūmidāna Guidelines and Recipient Eligibility
पिपासया न ग्रियते सोपच्छन्दश्न॒ जायते । न प्राप्तुयाच्च व्यसनं करकान् यः प्रयच्छति,जो पानीसे भरा हुआ कमण्डलु दान करता है, वह कभी प्याससे नहीं मरता। उसके पास सब प्रकारकी आवश्यक सामग्री मौजूद रहती है और वह संकटमें नहीं पड़ता
pipāsayā na kṣīyate sa upacchandaś ca jāyate | na prāpnuyāc ca vyasanaṁ kamaṇḍaluṁ yaḥ prayacchati ||
Bhīṣma said: “One who gives away a water-filled kamaṇḍalu (ascetic’s water-pot) is never undone by thirst. For him, the means of sustenance and necessary provisions arise of their own accord, and he does not fall into distress.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches the dharmic value of dāna through the specific example of giving water: offering a water-filled kamaṇḍalu protects the giver from thirst and misfortune, symbolizing that compassionate support of basic needs returns as well-being and security.
In Anuśāsana Parva, Bhīṣma instructs on dharma and the fruits of various gifts. Here he highlights the merit of donating water (via a kamaṇḍalu), describing its beneficial results for the donor—freedom from deprivation and avoidance of distress.