Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 157

Vāmana’s Advent, Aditi’s Hymn, Bali’s Gift, and the Mahatmya of Bhū-dāna

Devanagari script

प्रापकं परमं धर्मं सर्वकामफलप्रदम् । दानानामुत्तमं दानं भूदानं परिकीर्तितम् ॥ ५७ ॥

Transliteration

prāpakaṃ paramaṃ dharmaṃ sarvakāmaphalapradam | dānānāmuttamaṃ dānaṃ bhūdānaṃ parikīrtitam || 57 ||

Translation

Sự bố thí ấy dẫn đến pháp tối thượng và ban quả của mọi ước nguyện chân chánh; trong mọi hình thức bố thí, bố thí đất đai (bhū-dāna) được tôn xưng là tối thượng.

Word by Word

• prāpakam: that which leads (to attainment)
• prāpakam: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण) of dharmam
• Type: Adjective
• Root: prāpaka (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Singular (एकवचन)

• paramam: supreme
• paramam: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण) of dharmam
• Type: Adjective
• Root: parama (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Singular (एकवचन)

• dharmam: dharma
• dharmam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: dharma (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine (पुंलिङ्ग), Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Singular (एकवचन)

• sarva-kāma-phala-pradam: granting the fruits of all desires
• sarva-kāma-phala-pradam: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण) of dharmam
• Type: Adjective
• Root: sarva (प्रातिपदिक) + kāma (प्रातिपदिक) + phala (प्रातिपदिक) + prada (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Singular (एकवचन); ‘giver of the fruits of all desires’

• dānānām: of gifts
• dānānām: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/षष्ठी)
• Type: Noun
• Root: dāna (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Genitive (6th/षष्ठी), Plural (बहुवचन)

• uttamam: best
• uttamam: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण) of dānam
• Type: Adjective
• Root: uttama (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• dānam: gift/charity
• dānam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: dāna (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• bhū-dānam: land-gift
• bhū-dānam: Apposition (समानााधिकरण) to dānam
• Type: Noun
• Root: bhū (प्रातिपदिक) + dāna (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• parikīrtitam: is proclaimed
• parikīrtitam: Kriyā (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: pari-√kīrt (धातु)
• Form: Past passive participle (क्त), Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन); ‘is proclaimed’

Speaker

Narada

Vrata Kalpa

Vrata: none

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: vira

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in Narada Purana?

It elevates bhū-dāna (donating land) as the highest form of dāna because it supports sustained dharmic living—enabling agriculture, shelter, and yajña-supporting livelihoods—thereby generating enduring merit and leading toward the highest dharma.

How does this verse explain the path of devotion (Bhakti)?

While the verse speaks in the language of dharma and dāna, it aligns with bhakti ethics by emphasizing selfless giving for the welfare of others; such generosity purifies intention (bhāva) and becomes supportive conduct for a Vishnu-oriented life of devotion.

What practical Vedic knowledge (Vedanga) is highlighted here?

The verse primarily reflects Dharmaśāstra-style ritual ethics rather than a specific Vedāṅga; practically, it points to dāna-vidhi (rules and intent of gifting) and the idea that certain gifts (like land) are considered superior due to their long-term societal and ritual utility.