Shloka 11
Gayā-māhātmya: Gayāsura, Viṣṇu’s Establishment, and the Fruits of Śrāddha at Gayā
पञ्चक्रोशं गयोक्षेत्रं ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददौ प्रभुः / धरमयागेषु लोभात्तु प्रतिगृह्य धनादिकम्
pañcakrośaṃ gayokṣetraṃ brāhmaṇebhyo dadau prabhuḥ / dharamayāgeṣu lobhāttu pratigṛhya dhanādikam
पञ्चक्रोशं गयोक्षेत्रं ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददौ प्रभुः । धर्मयागेषु लोभात्तु प्रतिगृह्य धनादिकम् ॥
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue with Garuḍa / Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Even in dharmic contexts, greed (lobha) vitiates merit; accepting gifts with impure motive in yajña/rites becomes adharma.
Vedantic Theme: Antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi as prerequisite for dharma bearing fruit; karma’s efficacy depends on intention (bhāva).
Application: Perform and facilitate rituals with transparency and moderation; give/receive dakṣiṇā without exploitation; cultivate aparigraha and accountability in religious economy.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: tirtha/kṣetra (five-krośa precinct)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: repeated warnings against hypocrisy in śrāddha and misuse of dakṣiṇā (general thematic parallel)
FAQs
This verse highlights Gayā as a specially granted sacred precinct (five krośas), indicating its elevated sanctity and ritual importance, especially for dharmic observances connected with ancestral rites.
It contrasts divine sanctification of a holy place with human weakness: rituals labeled as ‘dharma’ can be compromised when performed with greed, particularly through improper attachment to wealth and gifts.
Perform pilgrimages, śrāddha, and charitable giving with sincerity; avoid transactional spirituality—both priests and patrons should keep intention pure and aligned with dharma rather than profit.