Shloka 104
Dharma–Adharma Marks; Daśāha, Piṇḍa Formation, Śrāddha Calendar, Śayyā-dāna, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa Rules
तेषु यद्दीयते दानं तस्मादप्यधिकन्त्विदम् / एतच्छय्याप्रदानस्य नाप्नोति षोडशीं कलाम्
teṣu yaddīyate dānaṃ tasmādapyadhikantvidam / etacchayyāpradānasya nāpnoti ṣoḍaśīṃ kalām
ในบรรดาทานทั้งหลาย ต่อให้ถวายทานใด ๆ ก็ตาม ทานนี้ยิ่งใหญ่กว่านั้นทั้งหมด หากไม่ถวาย “ทานแห่งที่บรรทม” นี้ ก็ไม่อาจได้บุญแม้เพียงหนึ่งในสิบหกส่วนของผลนั้น
Lord Vishnu
Concept: Śayyā-pradāna (bed-gift) is proclaimed superior to other dānas; omission yields only a fraction of the promised puṇya.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-yoga in ritual form: intentional giving (tyāga) purifies and yields specific phala; hierarchy of acts reflects śāstric valuation of saṃskāra-producing charity.
Application: If following this tradition, perform śayyā-dāna with proper saṅkalpa, recipient qualification, and accompanying gifts; otherwise adopt the principle—give what truly supports life and dharma (shelter/rest/comfort) with humility.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.34 context: dāna-praśaṃsā sequence culminating in śayyā-dāna and its fruits; Garuda Purana Śrāddha/Preta sections: repeated emphasis on dāna as aid to the departed and as puṇya for the giver
FAQs
This verse ranks śayyā-pradāna as superior to other gifts and states that without it one fails to obtain even a small fraction (one-sixteenth) of the intended merit.
In the Preta Kanda context, prescribed dānas support the deceased’s welfare and ritual completeness; this verse highlights that the śayyā-dāna is treated as a key, high-merit component among such rites.
If performing śrāddha/antyeṣṭi-related charity, prioritize meaningful, need-based giving aligned with tradition (e.g., bedding or essential comforts to the needy) while maintaining sincerity and ethical conduct.