Shloka 50

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

यद्यदिष्टतमं द्रव्यं न्यायेनैवागतं च यत् तत्तद्गुणवते देयम् इत्येतद्दानलक्षणम् //

Transliteration

yadyadiṣṭatamaṃ dravyaṃ nyāyenaivāgataṃ ca yat tattadguṇavate deyam ityetaddānalakṣaṇam //

Translation

Whatever substance is most dear to oneself, and whatever has been obtained by rightful means—this should be given, just as it is, to a worthy person of good qualities: this is the defining mark of true charity (dāna).

Word by Word

• yat yat: whatever, whichever

• iṣṭatamam: most desired/most dear

• dravyam: wealth, substance, gift-material

• nyāyena eva: only by justice/rightful means

• āgatam: obtained, acquired

• ca yat: and which

• tat tat: that very (thing)

• guṇavate: to the virtuous/qualified recipient

• deyam: should be given

• iti: thus

• etat: this

• dāna-lakṣaṇam: the characteristic/definition of giving (dāna).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Dharma
• Dana
• Grihastha
• Rajadharma
• Ethics

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

This verse does not address pralaya or cosmology; it defines ethical charity (dāna) as giving what is dear and honestly acquired to a worthy recipient.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

It sets a standard for rājadharma and gṛhasthadharma: wealth used for charity should be earned through lawful means, and gifts should be directed to qualified, virtuous recipients rather than given indiscriminately or from unjust gains.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated; however, the principle supports ritual propriety—offerings and donations connected with yajña, temple service, or consecrations should be pure in acquisition and given to deserving persons.