Shloka 52
Description of the Rules for Charitable Gifts and Related Rites
Gaṅgā-māhātmya
कपिला यदि दत्ता स्याद्विधिना वेदपारगे । नरकस्थान्पितॄन्सर्वान्स्वर्गं नयति वै तदा ॥ ५२ ॥
kapilā yadi dattā syādvidhinā vedapārage | narakasthānpitṝnsarvānsvargaṃ nayati vai tadā || 52 ||
もしカピラー（黄褐色の牝牛）を、定められた作法によりヴェーダに通暁したブラーフマナへ布施するなら、まことに地獄の境遇にあるすべての祖霊を天界へ導く。
Sūta (narrating the Narada Purana dialogue/tradition)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
The verse presents Go-dāna—specifically gifting a kapilā cow with correct ritual procedure—as a powerful act of Dharma whose merit is directed toward Pitṛs, uplifting ancestors from painful post-death states to Svarga.
While framed as Dāna-vidhi rather than explicit Vishnu-bhakti, it supports the bhakti-informed Purāṇic ethic that sincere, rule-bound sacred giving (as an offering aligned with Dharma) purifies the giver and generates merit that can be dedicated for the welfare of others, including ancestors.
It emphasizes Kalpa (ritual procedure) through the word vidhinā—proper method, eligibility, and correct recipient (a vedapāraga), showing that results in Purāṇic ritual ethics depend on right performance and right qualification.