Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 122
Vāmana’s Advent, Aditi’s Hymn, Bali’s Gift, and the Mahatmya of Bhū-dāna
दातव्यो मुनिभिश्चापि षष्टांशो भूभुजे बले । महीयं ब्राह्मणानां तु दातव्या सर्व यत्नतः ॥ २२ ॥
dātavyo munibhiścāpi ṣaṣṭāṃśo bhūbhuje bale | mahīyaṃ brāhmaṇānāṃ tu dātavyā sarva yatnataḥ || 22 ||
Even sages should offer a one-sixth share to the king when he is strong—able to protect and govern. Yet land should be given in dāna to brāhmaṇas with utmost effort and care.
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It frames giving as dharma aligned with cosmic order: supporting a righteous king who protects society, and honoring brāhmaṇas through bhū-dāna, which is treated as a high form of merit-bearing charity.
Bhakti in the Purāṇic sense is supported by dharmic conduct—humility, rightful giving, and sustaining protectors and teachers. The verse implies that devotion is not isolated from social duty; it is expressed through righteous support of dharma.
It reflects dharma-śāstric practicality rather than a specific Vedāṅga: principles of rajadharma (taxation as ṣaṣṭhāṃśa) and dāna-vidhi (rules of gifting), which guide ritual-social conduct.