Shloka 123
Veṅkaṭeśa-Māhātmya: Varāha Prelude, Descent of Śeṣācala, Svāmipuṣkariṇī and the Network of Tīrthas
with Dāna-Lakṣaṇas
तत्रापि केसरैश्चैक्रर्लक्षणैश्च समन्वितम् / कलौ तु दुर्लभं नणां तद्दानं चातिदुर्लभम्
tatrāpi kesaraiścaikrarlakṣaṇaiśca samanvitam / kalau tu durlabhaṃ naṇāṃ taddānaṃ cātidurlabham
Di sana juga, hendaklah ia lengkap dengan serabut (kesara) dan disertai tanda-tanda cakra (roda suci). Namun pada zaman Kali, hal demikian jarang ditemui dalam kalangan manusia—dan mendermakannya lebih jarang lagi.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda)
Concept: Dāna should be done with proper lakṣaṇa (authentic marks); in Kali-yuga both availability and generosity diminish.
Vedantic Theme: Outer correctness supports inner intention; Kali-yuga as a time when sattva declines, making dharmic acts rarer and thus more precious.
Application: When donating religious items or icons, ensure authenticity/quality and correct symbolism; cultivate generosity despite social scarcity.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.26 (discussion of lakṣaṇa—‘cakra’ marks; and dāna connected to tīrtha practice)
FAQs
This verse stresses that an offering used for dharmic purposes should meet specific auspicious marks and completeness; correctness of the gift is treated as part of the merit of dāna.
It portrays Kali Yuga as an age where both the availability of properly qualified ritual items and the willingness to donate them decline, indicating weakening of dharma and generosity.
When giving in religious contexts (including śrāddha-related charity), prioritize sincerity and quality—offer what is appropriate, complete, and respectfully prepared rather than careless or symbolic giving.