Shloka 4.51.12
स्वयंप्रभा-प्रश्नोत्तरम् / Svayamprabha Explains the Golden Forest and Questions the Vanaras
स तु वर्षसहस्राणि तपस्तप्त्वा महावने।।4.51.12।।पितामहाद्वरं लेभे सर्वमौशनसं धनम्।
sa tu varṣasahasrāṇi tapas taptvā mahāvane | pitāmahād varaṃ lebhe sarvam auśanasaṃ dhanam ||
He performed austerities for thousands of years in a great forest, and from Pitāmaha (Brahmā) obtained a boon—namely, the entire wealth associated with Auśanasa (Śukra).
'He (Maya) performed rigorous penance in the dense forest for thousands of years seeking the favour of Brahma, the creator and obtained a boon that he should inherit all the wealth of Usanas (Shukra).
Tapas aligned with divine order can yield results; the verse also cautions that power/wealth gained by boons must be governed by dharma to avoid downfall.
Svayaṃprabhā explains how Maya acquired extraordinary wealth through long penance and Brahmā’s boon.
Endurance and disciplined effort (tapas), though morally neutral unless guided by dharma.