Shloka 9
द्रोणपर्व अध्याय ६७ — अर्जुनस्य प्रवेशः, श्रुतायुध-वधः, सुदक्षिण-वधः
Arjuna’s advance; deaths of Śrutāyudha and Sudakṣiṇa
अध्यर्धमासमददद् ब्राह्मणे भ्य: शतं समा: । अग्निहोत्रोपकरणं यज्ञोपकरणं च यत्,राजा रन्तिदेव प्रत्येक पक्षमें ब्राह्मणोंको (करोड़ों) निष्क दिया करते थे। इसके साथ अग्निहोत्रके उपकरण और यज्ञकी सामग्री भी होती थी। उनका यह नियम सौ वर्षोंतक चलता रहा
adhyardhamāsam adadad brāhmaṇebhyaḥ śataṃ samāḥ | agnihotropakaraṇaṃ yajñopakaraṇaṃ ca yat | rājā rantidevaḥ pratyeka-pakṣe brāhmaṇān (koṭiśo) niṣkān dadāti sma | saha agnihotrasya upakaraṇaiḥ yajñasya ca sāmagrībhiḥ | eṣa niyamaḥ tasya śata-varṣāṇi pravavṛte |
Nārada said: For a hundred years, King Rantideva would give to the Brahmins, every fortnight, vast gifts of niṣkas (gold ornaments/coins). Along with these he also provided the implements for the daily Agnihotra and the full requisites for sacrifice. Thus his long-standing rule of giving was sustained for a century.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Steady, long-term generosity aligned with Vedic duty is presented as royal dharma: giving is not sporadic display but a disciplined vow that supports sacred rites (Agnihotra and yajña) and sustains the learned community.
Nārada describes King Rantideva’s established practice: every fortnight he donates great wealth (niṣkas) to Brahmins and also supplies the necessary ritual equipment and materials, maintaining this regimen continuously for a hundred years.