Shloka 14
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 113 — Maryādā-sthāpana (Śvetaketu’s Boundary) and the Niyoga Deliberation of Pāṇḍu and Kuntī
इत्युक्त्वा स महातेजा: शातकुम्भं कृताकृतम् रत्नानि च विचित्राणि शल्यायादात् सहस्रश:,यह कहकर महातेजस्वी भीष्मजीने राजा शल्यको सोना और उसके बने हुए आभूषण तथा सहस्ौ्रों विचित्र प्रकारके रत्न भेंट किये। बहुत-से हाथी, घोड़े, रथ, वस्त्र, अलंकार तथा मणि-मोती और मूँगे भी दिये
ity uktvā sa mahātejāḥ śātakumbhaṃ kṛtākṛtaṃ ratnāni ca vicitrāṇi śalyāyādāt sahasraśaḥ
Vaiśampāyana said: Having spoken thus, the mighty and radiant Bhīṣma presented King Śalya with refined gold—both worked and unworked—and thousands of wondrous gems. In the spirit of royal generosity and dharma, he further bestowed abundant gifts such as elephants, horses, chariots, garments, ornaments, and precious stones like pearls and coral, honoring Śalya and strengthening bonds of alliance and obligation.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dāna as a kṣatriya virtue: generous, honorable gifting is a form of dharma that builds trust, acknowledges status, and creates ethical bonds of reciprocity and alliance.
After speaking, Bhīṣma formally honors King Śalya by giving large quantities of gold (both worked and unworked) and many kinds of jewels—along with other royal gifts—signaling respect and reinforcing political and social ties.