There are numerous forms of this meritorious precept and various are the modes by which the provision for man's last journey is secured. The following sixteen are accounted the most important:—
(1). Tulá-dána or the weighing of the person against gold, silver and other valuables. (2). Hiraṇyagarbha-dána: an idol of Brahmá is fashioned of gold, having four faces in each of which are two eyes, two ears, a mouth and nose. It must have four hands, and the rest of the members are after the form of men. It must be 72 fingers high and 48 in breadth. Its weight may vary between a minimum of 33 tolahs and 4 máshas and a maximum of 3,410 tolahs. It is decked with jewels, and incantations are pronounced over it. (3). Brahmáṇḍa-dána, or alms of the egg of Brahmá.* An egg is made of gold in two parts which when joined together have an oval shape. Its weight varies between a minimum of 66 tolahs and 7 máshas and a maximum of 3,633 tolahs and 4 máshas. Its length and breadth may not be less than twelve fingers nor greater than one hundred. (4). Kalpa-taru-dána. This is the name of a tree* (taru) which is one of the fourteen treasures brought out of the sea, as will be related. A similar tree is made of gold, and birds are represented sitting on its branches. It should weigh not less than 12 tolahs, and the maximum weight as above. (5). Go-sahasra-dána, is the alms of a thousand cows with one bull, having the tips of their horns, according to ability, plated with gold or silver and their humps covered with copper, with bells and tassels of yâk's hair round their necks, and pearls in their tails. (6). Hiraṇya-kámadhenu-dána.* A golden cow and calf are made; they may be of three kinds; the first weighs 3,410 tolas; the second, the half of this weight, and the third weighs one-fourth. (7). Hiraṇyáśva-dána. A golden horse is fashioned weighing from ten tolahs to 3,633 tolahs and four máshas. (8). Hiraṇyáśva-ratha. A chariot of gold of the first of the above-mentioned weights is made with four wheels and from four to eight horses weighing from ten to 6,606 tolahs and eight máshas. (9). Hemahasti-ratha-dána is an alms of a chariot of gold drawn by four elephants. Its weight is from sixteen tolahs and eight máshas to the maximum aforesaid. (10). Pañcha-lángala-dána is a gift of five ploughs of gold of the above weight. (11.) Dhara-dána, is a figure of the surface of the earth made of gold, upon which are represented mountains, woods and seas, weighing not less than sixteen tolahs, eight máshas, and not more than 3,633 tolahs. (12). Viśva-chakra-dána. A complete radiate of eight petals is made of gold representing the entire dome of the heavens, and is of four weights, viz. 3,333 tolahs, four máshas: half of the above: one-fourth: 66 tolahs, 8 máshas. (13). Kalpa-latadána is in the shape of a creeper. Ten tendrils are made of gold, weighing from sixteen to 3,330 tolahs, four máshas. (14). Sapta-ságara-dána. The seven seas are represented in gold weighing not less than twenty-three tolahs, four máshas, and not more than the weight above given. The length and breadth of each of these are twenty-one fingers, or the half thereof. The first sea is filled with salt; the second, with milk; the third, with clarified butter; the fourth, with molasses; the fifth, with butter-milk; the sixth, with sugar; the seventh with Ganges-water. (15). Ratna-dhenu-dána, the representation of a cow with a calf made up of jewels. (16). Mahábhuta-ghaṭa-dána,* is a representation in gold of the figure of a man surmounted by the head of an elephant, which is called Gaṇeśa. Its weight is from sixteen tolahs, eight máshas to 3,330 tolahs, four máshas.
In some works the first or Tulá-dána, the weight whereof should be not less than 106 tolahs, eight máshas, nor more than 833 tolahs, four máshas, is alone given, and the remaining forms are omitted. There is also some difference of opinion regarding the distribution. Some give only to the A´chárya or teacher who shares the alms with others, while some bestow it also upon other Bráhmans.
For each of these forms of charity, there are various injunctions. Although no distinct season is fixed, they are regarded as of more efficacy in times of eclipse and when the sun enters Capricorn and on some other occasions. Strange legends are told of them and of their results, as for instance regarding the first kind, if the giver weighs himself against gold, he will remain in paradise for a thousand million kalpas and advance from degree to degree of beatitude, and when he re-assumes human form will become a mighty monarch.
The Fourth kind is—