Shloka 36
Brāhmaṇya-प्रश्नः — The Inquiry into Attaining Brāhmaṇya
Mataṅga–Gardabhī Itihāsa
षष्टिहद उपस्पृश्य चान्नदानाद् विशिष्यते । दशतीर्थसहस्त्राणि तिसत्र: कोट्यस्तथा परा:
ṣaṣṭihada upaspṛśya cānna-dānād viśiṣyate | daśa-tīrtha-sahasrāṇi tisraḥ koṭyas tathā parāḥ ||
Après avoir accompli le rite de purification en touchant l’eau, on devient tout particulièrement méritant par le don de nourriture (annadāna). On dit qu’un tel acte équivaut au mérite de dix mille lieux sacrés de bain, et même de trois crores supplémentaires; ainsi l’annadāna est exalté comme une aumône dharmique de tout premier rang.
अजड्रिय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse elevates annadāna (giving food) as an exceptionally powerful form of charity, portrayed as surpassing or equaling vast quantities of tīrtha-related merit; it frames nourishment of others as a high dharmic act.
Ajadriya is praising specific dharmic practices by ranking their spiritual efficacy: after noting ritual purification (touching water), he declares that giving food is especially meritorious, comparing its fruit to immense pilgrimage merit.