Shloka 56
Veṅkaṭeśa-Māhātmya: Varāha Prelude, Descent of Śeṣācala, Svāmipuṣkariṇī and the Network of Tīrthas
with Dāna-Lakṣaṇas
अत्युत्तमं द्रव्यदानं च देवि स्वापेक्षितं दानमाहुर्महान्तः / स्वस्यानपेक्षं फलदानं च वस्त्रादानं तस्य व्यर्थमाहुर्महान्तः
atyuttamaṃ dravyadānaṃ ca devi svāpekṣitaṃ dānamāhurmahāntaḥ / svasyānapekṣaṃ phaladānaṃ ca vastrādānaṃ tasya vyarthamāhurmahāntaḥ
देवि, द्रव्यदानम् अत्युत्तमं दानं मन्यन्ते महान्तः; अपेक्षया कृतमपि दानं दानमेवोच्यते। किन्तु स्वफलापेक्षया फलवस्त्रादिकं यद्दीयते, तद् दानं महान्तो व्यर्थमाहुः।
Lord Vishnu (teaching Garuda/Vinata-putra; the address 'devi' reflects the received verse reading)
Concept: Dāna bears fruit according to inner intention; expectation of reward/recognition undermines merit.
Vedantic Theme: Nishkāma-karma (action without attachment to results) as purifier of mind (citta-śuddhi).
Application: Give anonymously and without bargaining for praise, return favors, or spiritual ‘points’; examine motive before donating.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.26.57-60 (continuation on superior gifts and tīrtha context)
FAQs
This verse stresses that expectation for personal gain can nullify the spiritual fruit of a gift; charity becomes truly effective when offered without self-seeking.
In the Preta-kanda context, gifts (like clothes or food) are often connected with merit for the departed; the verse teaches that the merit depends not only on the item but on the giver’s inner motive.
Give support (money, food, clothes) quietly and without demanding recognition or returns; treat charity as dharma rather than a transaction for status or future reward.