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added difference between dana and utsarga
Utsarg (Samskrit : उत्सर्गः) literally means ‘letting go’. This happens when a property or item is dedicated or released for general public use. Pratishta and Utsarga involve acts of foundation of temples and dedication of wells, tanks, parks for the benefit of the public. Such works of public utility have been highly recommended from very ancient times.<ref name=":02">Agarwal, Sanjay. (2010) ''Daan and Other Giving Traditions in India.'' New Delhi: AccountAid, India</ref>
Utsarg (Samskrit : उत्सर्गः) literally means ‘letting go’. This happens when a property or item is dedicated or released for general public use. Pratishta and Utsarga involve acts of foundation of temples and dedication of wells, tanks, parks for the benefit of the public. Such works of public utility have been highly recommended from very ancient times.<ref name=":02">Agarwal, Sanjay. (2010) ''Daan and Other Giving Traditions in India.'' New Delhi: AccountAid, India</ref>
== Dana and Utsarga ==
There is a difference in the technical meaning of Dana and Utsarga. Dana is when the donor gives up his ownership over a thing, makes another the owner of it and cannot thereafter use it nor has any control over it.
When a man makes an Utsarga, he no doubt gives up his ownership, but he gives up the benefit of all (he uses the word sarvabhutebhayah) and so the opinion of most writers is that he can as a member of the public make use of the thing dedicated by him, though a few authors recommended that he should not do so.<ref name=":0" />
== Importance of Utsarga ==
== Importance of Utsarga ==
This shows that charitable works for the use of the public or large sections of the public came to be regarded as more meritorious than sacrifices where gifts benefited only brahmanas.
This shows that charitable works for the use of the public or large sections of the public came to be regarded as more meritorious than sacrifices where gifts benefited only brahmanas.
== जलाशयम् ॥ Jalashaya ==
== जलाशयोत्सर्गत्वम् ॥ Utsarga of Jalashaya ==
Providing water for travellers or general public through dedication of Jalashaya (wells, ponds and reservoirs) has been praised in several texts. That the beings of all worlds depend in water and so having water reservoirs, ponds, lakes is well documented in the words of Bhishma as follows<blockquote>देवा मनुष्यगन्धर्वाः पितरोरगराक्षसाः। स्थावराणि च भूतानि संश्रयन्ति जलाशयम्॥ (Maha. Anush. 13.58.8)</blockquote>Devatas, human beings, gandharvas, forefathers, nagas, rakshasas and all the immobile beings (such as plants and trees) are dependent on water bodies (for sustenance).
Providing water for travellers or general public through dedication of Jalashaya (wells, ponds and reservoirs) has been praised in several texts. That the beings of all worlds depend in water and so having water reservoirs, ponds, lakes is well documented in the words of Bhishma as follows<blockquote>देवा मनुष्यगन्धर्वाः पितरोरगराक्षसाः। स्थावराणि च भूतानि संश्रयन्ति जलाशयम्॥ (Maha. Anush. 13.58.8)</blockquote>Devatas, human beings, gandharvas, forefathers, nagas, rakshasas and all the immobile beings (such as plants and trees) are dependent on water bodies (for sustenance).
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Anushasana Parva (58.16 to 18) describe the rewards linked to the usage pattern.
Anushasana Parva (58.16 to 18) describe the rewards linked to the usage pattern.
=== Vishnudharmottara Purana ===
Benefits of water and constructing water bodies has been described in Vishnudharmottara Purana
=== Vishnu Smrti ===
=== Vishnu Smrti ===