Shloka 62
Nṛga-upākhyāna: Brāhmaṇa-sva and the Consequence of Misappropriated Gift-Cattle (कृकलास-रूपे नृगोपाख्यानम्)
कौमुदे शुक्लपक्षे तु योऊन्नदानं करोत्युत | स संतरति दुर्गाणि प्रेत्य चानन्त्यमश्लुते,जो कार्तिक मासके शुक्लपक्षमें अन्नका दान करता है, वह दुर्गम संकटसे पार हो जाता है और मरकर अक्षय सुखका भागी होता है
kaumude śuklapakṣe tu yo 'nnadānaṃ karoty uta | sa saṃtarati durgāṇi pretya cānantyam aśnute ||
Bhishma said: In the bright fortnight of the Kaumudī season, whoever performs the gift of food crosses over difficult dangers and obstacles; and after death, he attains unending (imperishable) blessedness. The verse commends annadāna as a practical dharmic act whose merit protects one in life and yields lasting welfare beyond death.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that annadāna (donating food), especially when done at an auspicious lunar time (bright fortnight), is a high dharmic act: it helps one overcome hardships in this life and yields imperishable welfare after death.
Bhishma, in his instruction on dharma, is describing the fruit (phala) of a specific charitable observance—giving food during the bright fortnight associated with Kaumudī—linking ethical generosity with both worldly protection and posthumous spiritual reward.