Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 38
Devas in Dvārakā, Brahmā’s Petition, and Uddhava’s Appeal
Prabhāsa Departure Set-Up
वयं च तस्मिन्नाप्लुत्य तर्पयित्वा पितृन् सुरान् । भोजयित्वोषिजो विप्रान् नानागुणवतान्धसा ॥ ३७ ॥ तेषु दानानि पात्रेषु श्रद्धयोप्त्वा महान्ति वै । वृजिनानि तरिष्यामो दानैर्नौभिरिवार्णवम् ॥ ३८ ॥
vayaṁ ca tasminn āplutya tarpayitvā pitṝn surān bhojayitvoṣijo viprān nānā-guṇavatāndhasā
Ao nos banharmos no sagrado Prabhāsa-kṣetra, ao oferecer tarpaṇa e sacrifício para apaziguar os antepassados e os devas, ao alimentar os veneráveis brāhmaṇas com variados manjares e ao conceder-lhes, com fé, grandes dádivas como os mais dignos recipientes da caridade, atravessaremos com certeza estes terríveis perigos, assim como se cruza um vasto oceano numa embarcação adequada.
FAQs
This verse teaches that giving great gifts with faith to worthy recipients helps one “cross over” misfortune and sinful reactions, just as boats help one cross an ocean.
The verse presents a complete dharmic sequence—purification by bathing, honoring forefathers and demigods, and serving brāhmaṇas—culminating in faithful charity to alleviate distress and create auspiciousness.
Give regularly with śraddhā (faith) to genuinely worthy causes and spiritually grounded persons, and pair charity with purity, gratitude, and service-mindedness rather than mere display.