Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 156
Vāmana’s Advent, Aditi’s Hymn, Bali’s Gift, and the Mahatmya of Bhū-dāna
भूमिदानं विनिश्चित्य सर्वदानोत्तमोत्तमम् । दानेन योऽनुमंताति स एव कृतवान्पुरा ॥ ५६ ॥
bhūmidānaṃ viniścitya sarvadānottamottamam | dānena yo'numaṃtāti sa eva kṛtavānpurā || 56 ||
Having ascertained that the gift of land is the most excellent of all gifts, one who approves such giving by his assent and rejoices in it (anumodanā) is regarded as having himself performed that gift in former times.
Narada
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It establishes bhūmi-dāna (land-gift) as the highest form of dāna and teaches that even approving righteous charity (anumati) shares in its puṇya, emphasizing communal support for Dharma.
By valuing selfless giving and even heartfelt endorsement of such giving, the verse supports the bhakti ethic of serving beings and sustaining sacred duties as offerings aligned with devotion and sattvic intent.
The verse reflects Dharma-śāstra style ritual-principles—especially the idea that intention and assent (anumati) affect karmic results—used in practical guidance for dāna-vidhi rather than a specific Vedāṅga like Jyotiṣa or Vyākaraṇa.