Shloka 24
Adhyāya 64: Dāna-prakāra—Suvarṇa, Pānīya-dāna, Ghṛta-dāna, and Upakaraṇa-dāna
Utility Gifts
यदा परिनिषिच्येत निहितो वै यथाविधि । तदा राजा महायज्ञैर्यजेत बहुदक्षिणै:,जब राजाका विधिपूर्वक राज्याभिषेक हो जाय और वह राज्यासनपर बैठ जाय तब राजा बहुत-सी दक्षिणाओंसे युक्त महान् यज्ञका अनुष्ठान करे
yadā pariniṣicyeta nihito vai yathāvidhi | tadā rājā mahāyajñair yajeta bahu-dakṣiṇaiḥ ||
Dijo Bhishma: Cuando el rey haya sido debidamente consagrado conforme a los ritos prescritos y asentado como corresponde en el trono, entonces debe celebrar grandes yajñas, acompañados de abundantes dakṣiṇā, los dones ofrecidos a los sacerdotes oficiantes. Así, la autoridad real queda arraigada en el dharma—por el orden ritual correcto y la generosidad—y no por el mero poder.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s rule should begin with proper consecration and lawful installation, and be sustained by dharmic action—especially the performance of major sacrifices and generous giving (dakṣiṇā). Authority is presented as legitimate when aligned with prescribed rites and public-spirited generosity.
Bhishma is instructing on rājadharma (the duties of kings). He describes the proper sequence after accession: once the king has undergone the formal abhiṣeka and taken the throne according to rule, he should undertake great sacrificial rites and distribute ample gifts to the ritual specialists.