Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 157
Vāmana’s Advent, Aditi’s Hymn, Bali’s Gift, and the Mahatmya of Bhū-dāna
प्रापकं परमं धर्मं सर्वकामफलप्रदम् । दानानामुत्तमं दानं भूदानं परिकीर्तितम् ॥ ५७ ॥
prāpakaṃ paramaṃ dharmaṃ sarvakāmaphalapradam | dānānāmuttamaṃ dānaṃ bhūdānaṃ parikīrtitam || 57 ||
Pemberian yang membawa kepada dharma tertinggi serta mengurniakan hasil bagi segala hasrat yang benar—antara segala bentuk dana, dana yang paling utama diumumkan ialah pemberian tanah (bhū-dāna).
Narada
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It elevates bhū-dāna (donating land) as the highest form of dāna because it supports sustained dharmic living—enabling agriculture, shelter, and yajña-supporting livelihoods—thereby generating enduring merit and leading toward the highest dharma.
While the verse speaks in the language of dharma and dāna, it aligns with bhakti ethics by emphasizing selfless giving for the welfare of others; such generosity purifies intention (bhāva) and becomes supportive conduct for a Vishnu-oriented life of devotion.
The verse primarily reflects Dharmaśāstra-style ritual ethics rather than a specific Vedāṅga; practically, it points to dāna-vidhi (rules and intent of gifting) and the idea that certain gifts (like land) are considered superior due to their long-term societal and ritual utility.