Shloka 17
Adhyāya 142: Cyavana, the Devas’ Arrogance, and Vāyu’s Counsel on Protecting Brāhmaṇas
ब्रह्मदत्तश्न पाज्चाल्यो राजा धर्मभृतां वर: । निर्धि शड्खमनुज्ञाप्प जगाम परमां गतिम्,पाञ्चालदेशके राजा धर्मात्माओंमें श्रेष्ठ ब्रह्मदत्तने ब्राह्यणको शंखनामक निधि प्रदान करके परम गति प्राप्त कर ली थी
bhīṣma uvāca | brahmadattaś ca pāñcālyo rājā dharmabhṛtāṃ varaḥ | nidhim śaṅkham anupradāya jagāma paramāṃ gatim ||
Bhīṣma disse: “O rei Brahmadatta de Pañcāla, o mais eminente entre os que sustentam o dharma, concedeu a um brâmane um tesouro chamado ‘Shankha’ e, por esse ato justo de generosidade, alcançou o estado supremo.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s greatness is measured by dharma expressed through generosity: relinquishing wealth for a worthy recipient (here, a Brahmin) becomes a direct cause of spiritual elevation and the attainment of the highest destiny.
Bhishma cites an exemplum: King Brahmadatta of Panchala gives a treasure named Shankha to a Brahmin, and as a result of this righteous gift he attains the supreme state—presented as evidence for the power of dāna aligned with dharma.