Shloka 2
Mahādāna-prakaraṇa (The Doctrine of Great Gifts): Suvarṇa–Go–Bhūmi and Tulā-dāna
हिरण्यदानं गोदानं भूमिदानं द्विजोत्तम । गृह्णंतो वै पवित्राणि तारयंति स्वमेव तम्
hiraṇyadānaṃ godānaṃ bhūmidānaṃ dvijottama | gṛhṇaṃto vai pavitrāṇi tārayaṃti svameva tam
ਹੇ ਦ੍ਵਿਜੋਤਮ! ਸੋਨੇ ਦਾ ਦਾਨ, ਗਾਂ ਦਾ ਦਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਭੂਮੀ ਦਾ ਦਾਨ—ਇਹ ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਦਾਨ—ਜੋ ਗ੍ਰਹਿਣ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹ ਵੀ ਆਪਣੇ ਆਪ ਨੂੰ ਤਾਰ ਲੈਂਦੇ ਹਨ।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Highlights the dharmic economy of dāna and pātra (worthy recipient). In Siddhānta terms, such dharma supports worldly order (sthiti) and purifies karmic accretions, aiding the soul’s progress.
Role: nurturing
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It teaches that sanctified charity—especially gold, cows, and land—functions as a purifier (pavitra) that supports inner upliftment; even the receiver, when aligned with dharma, gains purification that helps one cross over bondage toward liberation.
In Shaiva practice, dāna is a supporting limb of devotion: offerings and righteous giving/receiving purify the devotee’s life so the mind becomes fit for Linga-worship, mantra-japa, and devotion to Saguna Shiva, which culminate in Shiva’s grace.
Perform or sponsor dharmic charity (dāna) alongside Shiva-upāsanā—such as Panchakshara japa (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and simple offerings—keeping the intention of purification and service rather than mere social transaction.