Vamana Purana — Prahlada's Instructions to Bali, Shloka 23

Prahlada’s Instructions to Bali on Vishnu Worship, Monthly Gifts, and Building Hari’s Temple

Devanagari script

माघमासे तिला देयास्तिलधेनुश्च दानव इन्धनादीनि च तथा माधवप्रीणनाय तु

Transliteration

māghamāse tilā deyāstiladhenuśca dānava indhanādīni ca tathā mādhavaprīṇanāya tu

Translation

In the month of Māgha, sesame should be given; and (one should give) a ‘sesame-cow’ (tila-dhenu), O Dānava; likewise fuel and related necessities as well—indeed, for the satisfaction of Mādhava (Viṣṇu).

Speakers

• Didactic narration addressing an interlocutor as ‘dānava’; exact speaker-addressee not provided in the excerpt.

Primary Deities

• Vishnu (Mādhava)

Key Themes

• Māgha observances (seasonal dāna)
• Tila-dāna and tila-dhenu as expiatory/merit-giving gifts
• Support of ritual life (indhana/fuel for sacred fires)
• Devotional intent toward Mādhava

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

{ "primaryRasa": "shanta", "secondaryRasa": "vira", "rasaIntensity": 0, "emotionalArcPosition": "", "moodDescriptors": [] }

FAQs

What is ‘tila-dhenu’ in Purāṇic dāna practice?

Tila-dhenu is a named charitable rite: a cow is donated with sesame and/or a symbolic ‘cow’ is constructed/represented with sesame and accompanying items. It functions as a high-merit gift, often linked with expiation and prosperity.

Why is sesame (tila) emphasized specifically in Māgha?

Māgha is widely treated as a potent month for austerity, bathing, and dāna. Sesame—associated with pitṛ-related rites, purification, and sustaining nourishment—becomes a preferred substance for charity in this calendrical window.

What is the significance of donating ‘indhana’ (fuel)?

Fuel sustains domestic and sacrificial fires, enabling hospitality and ritual continuity. The verse frames practical support for ritual infrastructure as a devotional act that pleases Mādhava.