Shloka 5
Chapter 84: Brahmā’s Counsel on Tāraka, the Search for Agni, and the Genesis of Skanda
Kārttikeya
मान्धाता यौवनाश्रवश्व ययातिर्नहुषस्तथा । गा वै ददनत: सततं सहस्रशतसम्मिता:
Māndhātā Yauvanāśvaś ca Yayātir Nahuṣas tathā | gā vai dadantaḥ satataṁ sahasraśata-sammitāḥ ||
ଭୀଷ୍ମ କହିଲେ— ମାନ୍ଧାତା, ଯୌବନାଶ୍ୱ, ଯୟାତି ଏବଂ ନହୁଷ—ପୁରାତନ ପରମ୍ପରାରେ ପ୍ରସିଦ୍ଧ ଏହି ରାଜାମାନେ ସଦା ଗୋଦାନ କରୁଥିଲେ; ତାଙ୍କର ଦାନ ଶତ-ସହସ୍ର ପରିମାଣର ଥିଲା।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse upholds dāna—especially the gifting of cows—as a hallmark of righteous kingship. By citing celebrated rulers, Bhīṣma frames generosity as a sustained ethical practice (not an occasional act) that supports dharma and accrues merit.
Bhīṣma is instructing on dharma by invoking well-known ancient kings as precedents. He lists Māndhātā, Yauvanāśva, Yayāti, and Nahuṣa as continual donors of immense numbers of cows, reinforcing the tradition of royal largesse.