Shloka 59
Description of the Rules for Charitable Gifts and Related Rites
Gaṅgā-māhātmya
ग्रामं गंगातटे यो वै ब्राह्मणेभ्यः प्रयच्छति । ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवप्रीत्ये दुर्गाया भास्करस्य च ॥ ५९ ॥
grāmaṃ gaṃgātaṭe yo vai brāhmaṇebhyaḥ prayacchati | brahmaviṣṇuśivaprītye durgāyā bhāskarasya ca || 59 ||
Siapa yang mempersembahkan sebuah desa di tepi Gaṅgā kepada para brāhmaṇa—demi keridaan Brahmā, Viṣṇu, dan Śiva, serta Durgā dan Bhāskara (Surya)—ia memperoleh pahala dharma yang agung.
Suta (narrating the Tirtha-Mahatmya; teachings attributed within the Narada tradition)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It elevates grāma-dāna (donation of a village/land) performed at the Gaṅgā-tīra as an exceptionally meritorious act, framed as devotionally offered for the pleasure of multiple deities, thus amplifying the dana’s sacred efficacy in a tirtha context.
The gift is not presented as mere philanthropy but as an offering “for the pleasure” (prīti) of Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Śiva (and also Durgā and Bhāskara), showing bhakti expressed through selfless giving (dāna) at a holy place.
Ritual application (kalpa-prayoga) is implied: choosing a tirtha (Gaṅgā-taṭa), selecting qualified recipients (brāhmaṇas), and dedicating the act with a clear saṅkalpa (intention) to specific deities—core procedural elements of dana in Dharmaśāstra practice.