Shloka 7
Mahādāna-prakaraṇa (The Doctrine of Great Gifts): Suvarṇa–Go–Bhūmi and Tulā-dāna
कनकं च तिला नागाः कन्या दासी गृहं रथः । मणयः कपिला गावो महादानानि वै दश
kanakaṃ ca tilā nāgāḥ kanyā dāsī gṛhaṃ rathaḥ | maṇayaḥ kapilā gāvo mahādānāni vai daśa
“Gold, sesame seeds, elephants, a maiden (given in marriage), a maidservant, a house, a chariot, gems, tawny kapilā cows, and cows—these are indeed the ten ‘great gifts’ (mahādānas).”
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages, summarizing the dharmic list of mahādānas)
Tattva Level: pashu
Significance: Catalog of mahādānas functions as dharmic scaffolding for householders; in Siddhānta terms, such caryā reduces karmic accretions (a facet of pāśa) and supports eligibility for Śiva-bhakti and ritual life.
FAQs
It enumerates the classical “ten great gifts,” presenting dāna as a dharmic discipline that softens ego and possessiveness—key bonds (pāśa) that obscure devotion to Pati (Śiva) and hinder inner purity.
In Saguna Śiva worship, offerings and charity support sattva and devotional conduct; the verse frames generosity as an external expression of reverence that complements Linga-pūjā, mantra, and vrata by cultivating humility and service.
Practice dāna according to capacity—especially on Śiva-vratas (e.g., Mahāśivarātri)—and mentally dedicate the fruit to Śiva while maintaining purity of intention (niṣkāma-bhāva), alongside japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya).