Chapter 213 - Mode of making a gif of earth and its benefits (pṛthvīdāna)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Fire-god said:

1-4. I shall describe (the mode of) making a gift of the earth [i.e., pṛthvīdāna]. The earth [pṛthivī] is known to be of three kinds (extending to) hundred crores of yojanas (containing) seven continents and the oceans. That earth upto the continent of Jambū is spoken as excellent. One should make an excellent one with five bhāras (measure of weight) of gold. The tortoise and lotus (supporting that) should be laid with half that (measure). The excellent earth is said to be (of the full measure). The middle one (is said to have) two parts. The last one (should be of) one-third part. The tortoise and lotus will be one-third. The wish-yielding (celestial) tree should be made (to weigh) a thousand palas.

5-9. The central stalk (of the tree) together with the leaves, fruits and flowers and having five branches should be got ready and the five should be given by a good man. One who makes this gift would rejoice in the world of Brahmā together with the manes for a long time. The celestial cow (should be made) with five hundred palas in front of lord Viṣṇu. The gods Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Maheśa and others are settled in the cow. The gift of a cow is the gift of all (things). It gives all (things) and also the world of Brahmā. Having given a tawny cow one would elevate all families. By giving a girl (in marriage) after decorating her, one would acquire the benefit of (doing the) horse sacrifice. One who gives a land in which all grains grow would get everything. One who gives a village or a town or a hamlet would be comfortable. By setting free a bull in kārttika one would elevate the family.