Shloka 180
Right Conduct, Offenses Against Brāhmaṇas, Truthfulness, and the Greatness of the Cow
Go-Māhātmya
दशधेनूश्च यो दद्यादेकं चैव धुरंधरं । समानं तु फलं प्रोक्तं ब्रह्मणा समुदाहृतम्
daśadhenūśca yo dadyādekaṃ caiva dhuraṃdharaṃ | samānaṃ tu phalaṃ proktaṃ brahmaṇā samudāhṛtam
ആരു പത്ത് പാലുതരുന്ന പശുക്കളെ ദാനം ചെയ്യുകയോ, അല്ലെങ്കിൽ ഒരൊറ്റ ശക്തനായ ധുരന്ധര വൃഷഭത്തെ നൽകുകയോ ചെയ്താലും—ഇരുവർക്കും സമമായ പുണ്യഫലമാണെന്ന് ബ്രഹ്മാവ് പ്രസ്താവിച്ചു।
Brahmā (as cited/quoted authority within the discourse)
Concept: In go-dāna, ten milch-cows and one strong bull can yield equivalent spiritual fruit, as declared by Brahmā.
Application: Give according to capacity but with sincerity; support dharmic agriculture and non-violent care for cattle; avoid transactional charity.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Brahmā, seated on a lotus-throne, raises a hand in teaching as two offerings are shown in balanced symmetry: ten gentle milch-cows on one side and a single powerful bull on the other. Scribes and sages record the decree, while a subtle scale motif suggests equal merit.","primary_figures":["Brahmā","sages/scribes (ṛṣis)","milch-cows","burden-bearing bull"],"setting":"A celestial teaching hall with lotus pillars and manuscript stands","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["sunrise gold","vermillion","pearl white","sky blue","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Brahmā on lotus throne with four faces and ornate crown, right hand in upadeśa mudrā; to his sides, a symmetrical tableau of ten milch-cows and one strong bull, with a decorative balance-scale motif; gold leaf on throne, halos, and ornaments, rich reds/greens, jewel-like detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate courtly scene of Brahmā instructing sages, delicate cows and a muscular bull rendered with fine linework; soft pastel sky, refined faces, subtle scale motif, floral margins and gentle shading.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: frontal Brahmā with bold outlines and stylized lotus seat, cows and bull arranged in clear iconographic panels; earthy reds/yellows/greens, temple mural symmetry, rhythmic ornamentation.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Brahmā framed by ornate floral borders, cows and bull integrated into lotus medallions, deep blue background with gold highlights, intricate textile-like patterning and auspicious motifs."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"authoritative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low temple drone","manuscript page rustle","soft bell at cadence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दशधेनूश्च = दशधेनूः + च; दद्यादेकं = दद्यात् + एकम्; चैव = च + एव; धुरंधरं = धुरंधरम् (अनुस्वार-लिपि).
FAQs
It teaches that the merit of a gift is not only in quantity; even a single, highly useful gift (a strong bull) can yield merit equal to a larger donation (ten cows), as sanctioned by Brahmā.
The comparison highlights functional value and intention in giving: a dhuraṃdhara (work-capable bull/ox) supports livelihood and agriculture, so its gift can be considered equivalently meritorious.
It encourages practical, sincere giving according to capacity—offering what genuinely helps others—rather than measuring virtue purely by magnitude or display.