Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 213
Nṛga-upākhyāna: Brāhmaṇa-sva and the Consequence of Misappropriated Gift-Cattle (कृकलास-रूपे नृगोपाख्यानम्)
यस्मिन् देशे करिष्यध्वं यज्ञान् काश्यपनन्दना: | ब्रह्माजीने कहा--काश्यपनन्दन सुरश्रेष्ठणण! तुमलोग पृथ्वीके जिस प्रदेशमें यज्ञ करोगे, वही भूभाग मैं तुम्हें दे रहा हूँ
yasmin deśe kariṣyadhvaṃ yajñān kāśyapanandanāḥ |
Bhīṣma said: “O descendants of Kaśyapa, in whatever region you undertake your sacrificial rites (yajña), that very tract of land is granted to you.” The statement frames sacrifice not merely as ritual, but as a dharmic act that legitimizes settlement and stewardship of territory through sacred duty rather than force.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse links rightful possession and stability of land to dharmic action—especially yajña—suggesting that sacred duty and beneficent ritual provide moral legitimacy for settlement and authority.
Bhīṣma, in his instructional discourse, quotes or conveys a grant-like declaration addressed to the descendants of Kaśyapa: wherever they perform sacrifices, that region is assigned to them, emphasizing the sanctifying power of yajña.