Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 25
Fruits of Occasional (Festival-Specific) Charity — The Vena Episode
उपचारैः पवित्रैश्च षोडशैः परिपूजयेत् । स्वलंकृत्य ततो दद्याद्ब्राह्मणाय महात्मने
upacāraiḥ pavitraiśca ṣoḍaśaiḥ paripūjayet | svalaṃkṛtya tato dadyādbrāhmaṇāya mahātmane
当以十六种清净供品圆满礼敬；随后加以庄饰，奉献给高贵、具大德的婆罗门。
Unspecified (narrative instruction within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa context)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Sandhi Resolution Notes: pavitraiśca = pavitraiḥ + ca; svalaṃkṛtya = su-alaṃkṛtya; dadyādbrāhmaṇāya = dadyāt + brāhmaṇāya.
FAQs
They are the standard sixteen services used in formal pūjā—such as offering a seat, water for washing, arghya, sipping water, bath, clothing, sacred thread/ornaments, fragrance, flowers, incense, lamp, food, betel, circumambulation, prostration, and respectful dismissal—varying slightly by tradition.
It frames dāna as an extension of sanctified action: first purify and honor the offering through worship, then transfer it as a meritorious gift, emphasizing intention, purity, and reverence rather than mere transaction.
The verse highlights discernment and respect in charity—giving to a worthy, virtuous recipient—so the act supports dharma and reinforces ideals of integrity, learning, and spiritual character.