Shloka 4
दातव्यं प्रत्यहं पात्रे निमित्तेषु विशेषतः / याचितेनापि दातव्यं श्रद्धापूतं तु शक्तितः
dātavyaṃ pratyahaṃ pātre nimitteṣu viśeṣataḥ / yācitenāpi dātavyaṃ śraddhāpūtaṃ tu śaktitaḥ
प्रत्यहं पात्रे दातव्यं निमित्तेषु विशेषतः। याचितेनापि श्रद्धापूतं शक्तितो दातव्यम्॥
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinatā-putra, typical dialogue frame of the Garuda Purana)
Concept: Nitya and naimittika dāna: give daily to the worthy, especially on prescribed occasions; even when requested, give according to capacity, purified by faith.
Vedantic Theme: Śraddhā as inner purifier (antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi) supporting higher pursuit; non-attachment expressed through measured generosity.
Application: Set a daily giving practice (food, alms, service); plan extra giving on festivals/rites; respond to requests with discernment and proportionality, maintaining sincerity.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.98.2 (worthy recipient); Garuda Purana 1.98.5–1.98.6 (specific cow-gift procedure)
FAQs
This verse frames dāna as a daily dharmic discipline, emphasizing proper recipients (pātra), timely giving on ritual occasions (nimitta), and inner sincerity (śraddhā) as what makes the gift spiritually effective.
While not describing the afterlife directly, it teaches the accumulation of puṇya through correct giving—an ethical foundation the Garuda Purana repeatedly treats as supportive for favorable post-death outcomes and reduced suffering.
Give regularly (even small amounts), prioritize truly deserving recipients or meaningful causes, give especially on significant observance days, and keep the intention respectful and sincere—within your means.