Tilā-Dāna, Dīpa-Dāna, and Nitya-Jalapradāna
Yama–Brāhmaṇa Saṃvāda) | तिलदान-दीपदान-नित्यजलप्रदान (यम-ब्राह्मण संवाद
विशाखायामनडूवाहं थेनुं दत्त्वा च दुग्धदाम् । सप्रासंगं च शकटं सधान्यं वस्त्रसंयुतम्
viśākhāyām anaḍūvāhaṃ dhenuṃ dattvā ca dugdhadām | sa-prāsaṅgaṃ ca śakaṭaṃ sa-dhānyaṃ vastra-saṃyutam ||
那罗陀说道:“在‘毗舍佉’(Viśākhā)宿之日,若有人布施能牵车之役牛、产乳之母牛,并施与配齐车具之车,兼以谷粮与衣服,则能使诸天与祖灵欢喜满足。此人死后得不竭之乐;生时不为忧患所胜;离此世间,便往天界。”
नारद उवाच
The verse teaches the dharmic value of well-equipped, practical gifts—ox, milch cow, cart with fittings, grain, and clothing—given at an auspicious time (Viśākhā). Such dāna is said to nourish society materially, and spiritually to satisfy devas and pitṛs, yielding protection in life and lasting merit after death.
Nārada is describing a specific charitable observance connected with the nakṣatra Viśākhā. He lists the items to be donated and states the promised fruits: satisfaction of gods and ancestors, freedom from distress while alive, and attainment of heaven and imperishable happiness after death.