Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 1
ऑपनआक्राता बछ। 2 चतुष्पञ्चाशर्दाधिकशततमो< ध्याय: ब्राह्मणशिरोमणि उतथ्यके प्रभावका वर्णन वायुरुवाच इमां भूमिं द्विजातिभ्यो दित्सुर्वैं दक्षिणां पुरा । अड्ढी नाम नृपो राजंस्तततक्रिन्तां मही ययौ
Vāyur uvāca: imāṃ bhūmiṃ dvijātibhyo ditsur vai dakṣiṇāṃ purā | Aṅga-nāmā nṛpo rājan tat-kṛtvā cintāṃ mahī yayau ||
伐由说道：“大王啊，久远以前，有一位名为昂伽（Aṅga）的君主，欲将此大地本身作为祭礼之酬赠（dakṣiṇā），施与二次生者（婆罗门）。大地得知他要把自己交付为施舍之物，便被深沉的忧惧所攫。”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames royal generosity as a powerful dharmic act, but also hints at ethical limits: even well-intended gifts (dakṣiṇā) must respect the nature of what is given. Donating the Earth itself raises questions about rightful stewardship, the welfare of subjects, and the boundaries of ritual charity.
Vāyu begins a past episode: a king named Aṅga decides to give the Earth as a sacrificial gift to the twice-born. On hearing this plan, the personified Earth (Mahī/Bhūmi) becomes anxious, setting up the ensuing discussion about the consequences and propriety of such a donation.