Adhyāya 64: Dāna-prakāra—Suvarṇa, Pānīya-dāna, Ghṛta-dāna, and Upakaraṇa-dāna
Utility Gifts
कुबेरमिव रक्षांसि शतक्रतुमिवामरा: । ज्ञातयस्त्वानुजीवन्तु सुहृदश्च परंतप
kubheram iva rakṣāṃsi śatakratum ivāmarāḥ | jñātayas tvānujīvantu suhṛdaś ca paraṃtapa ||
ಓ ಪರಂತಪ! ರಾಕ್ಷಸರು ಕುಬೇರನನ್ನು ಆಶ್ರಯಿಸುವಂತೆ, ಅಮರರು ಶತಕ್ರತು (ಇಂದ್ರ)ನನ್ನು ಆಶ್ರಯಿಸುವಂತೆ, ನಿನ್ನ ಬಂಧುಗಳು ನಿನ್ನ ಆಧಾರದಿಂದ ಬದುಕಲಿ; ನಿನ್ನ ಸುಹೃದರೂ ನಿನ್ನೊಡನೆ ನಿಲ್ಲಲಿ.
भीष्म उवाच
The verse frames ideal sovereignty and moral authority as naturally attracting loyal support: just as cosmic rulers have their retinues, a righteous and powerful leader becomes a refuge for relatives and friends, sustaining them through protection and patronage.
Bhīṣma is offering a formal blessing and auspicious wish to the addressed hero, invoking well-known divine models (Kubera and Indra) to express the hope that various groups—powerful allies, kinsmen, and friends—will gather around and thrive under his leadership.