Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 62
Āloka-dāna (Dīpa-dāna), Sumanas–Dhūpa–Dīpa Phala: Manu–Suvarṇa and Śukra–Bali Exempla
नागानां दयिता नित्यं पद्मोत्पलविमिश्रिता: । तिलान् गुडसुसम्पन्नान् भूतानामुपहारयेत्,नागोंको पद्म और उत्पलयुक्त बलि प्रिय होती है। गुड़मिश्रित तिल भूतोंको भेंट करे
nāgānāṃ dayitā nityaṃ padmotpalavimiśritāḥ | tilān guḍasusampannān bhūtānām upahārayet ||
Wika ni Śukra: “Para sa mga Nāga, laging mahal sa kanila ang alay na hinaluan ng lotus at asul na lotus (utpala). At para sa mga Bhūta, maghandog ng mga buto ng linga na hinalong mabuti sa jaggery (asukal na pula).”
शुक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches appropriateness in ritual giving: different classes of beings are traditionally honored with offerings suited to them. Such mindful, fitting offerings are presented as a dharmic act of respect and pacification.
Śukra is instructing what kinds of ritual offerings (bali/upahāra) are considered pleasing—lotus and blue-lotus mixtures for Nāgas, and sesame mixed with jaggery for Bhūtas—within a broader discourse on observances and proper conduct.