यममार्गे सुखदायकधर्माः
Dharmas that Grant Ease on the Path to Yama
त्रैलोक्ये यानि रत्नानि भोगस्त्रीवाहनानि च । अन्नदानप्रदस्सर्वमिहामुत्र च तल्लभेत्
trailokye yāni ratnāni bhogastrīvāhanāni ca | annadānapradassarvamihāmutra ca tallabhet
Tous les joyaux des trois mondes—ainsi que les jouissances, les femmes nobles et les montures—tout cela est obtenu par celui qui donne la nourriture, ici-bas comme dans l’au-delà.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
The verse elevates annadāna (feeding others) as a supreme dharmic act that generates punya, supporting both material well-being and posthumous auspicious attainments; in Shaiva understanding, such charity purifies the pashu (bound soul) and prepares it for Shiva’s grace.
In Linga/Saguna Shiva worship, offerings and service to living beings are treated as service to Shiva present in all; annadāna becomes an extension of pūjā—moving from altar-offering to compassionate action, aligning devotion with dharma.
Practice annadāna as a vow—especially on Shiva days (Pradosha, Mondays, Mahashivratri)—after Shiva pūjā; feed devotees, the poor, or pilgrims while mentally offering the act to Shiva with the Panchakshara spirit of surrender (Om Namaḥ Śivāya).