History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c91.119

v7.c91.119

*Pūrta*—The Purāṇas lay the greatest emphasis on what is called *pūrtadharma*, works of public utility, charity, social service and the relief of the poor and distressed. The word Iṣṭāpūrta occurs in the Ṛgveda once¹⁵²⁷ 'May you be united in the highest heaven with your pitṛs (ancestors), with Yama and with iṣṭāpūrta' (merit acquired by sacrifices and works of public utility). The word *iṣṭa* occurs several times in Ṛg. (I. 162. 15, I. 164. 15, X. 11. 2, X. 82. 2), but the meaning is not certain except in Ṛg. X. 11. 2 where it appears to mean 'sacrifice'. *Pūrta* also occurs in Ṛg. VI. 16. 18 and VIII. 46. 21, but the meaning is not certain. 'Iṣṭāpūrta' occurs in several Upaniṣads.