Shloka 115
Veṅkaṭeśa-Māhātmya: Varāha Prelude, Descent of Śeṣācala, Svāmipuṣkariṇī and the Network of Tīrthas
with Dāna-Lakṣaṇas
तन्मूर्तिदानं दुर्लभं तत्र देवः प्रीणाति यस्माच्छ्रीनिवासो महात्मा / यदा दानं दुर्घटं स्याच्च देवि तदा श्रोतव्यं लक्षणं तस्य मूर्तेः
tanmūrtidānaṃ durlabhaṃ tatra devaḥ prīṇāti yasmācchrīnivāso mahātmā / yadā dānaṃ durghaṭaṃ syācca devi tadā śrotavyaṃ lakṣaṇaṃ tasya mūrteḥ
ആ മൂർത്തിദാനം ദുർലഭമാണ്; അതിനാൽ ദേവൻ പ്രസന്നനാകുന്നു, കാരണം മഹാത്മാവ് ശ്രീനിവാസൻ തൃപ്തനാകുന്നു. ദേവീ, അത്തരം ദാനം ചെയ്യുക ദുഷ്കരമായാൽ, ആ മൂർത്തിയുടെ ലക്ഷണങ്ങൾ കേട്ട് അറിയണം.
Lord Vishnu (Śrīnivāsa) speaking to Garuda (Vinata-putra); the vocative 'devi' indicates a received/variant address in the transmission
Concept: When a high meritorious act (mūrti-dāna) is difficult, śravaṇa and comprehension of its lakṣaṇa remains a meaningful dharmic substitute; pleasing Śrīnivāsa is the aim.
Vedantic Theme: Gradation of sādhana: external acts may be constrained, but inner orientation (bhāva) and śravaṇa can sustain spiritual progress; īśvara-prītyartha karma.
Application: If unable to donate, participate by learning iconography, sponsoring partially, volunteering service, or supporting worship through smaller offerings; keep devotion anchored in understanding rather than guilt.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana’s broader pattern: ‘if unable, then do/recite/hear’ substitutions in dāna and vrata contexts (common Purāṇic device)
FAQs
This verse says mūrti-dāna is rare/difficult yet highly pleasing to the Deva, specifically Śrīnivāsa, indicating it is considered a powerful meritorious gift within the text’s ritual framework.
It advises that when the act of donation is difficult, one should at least learn and listen to the proper lakṣaṇas (defining features) of the mūrti—emphasizing correct understanding and scriptural standards as a substitute support.
If you cannot sponsor an idol donation, study (or hear) the traditional iconographic and devotional standards, and support worship through feasible charity—aligning intention, correctness, and capacity.