Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a remarkable gesture during his inaugural state visit to the United States by presenting a beautifully handcrafted sandalwood box, adorned with intricate designs, to President Joe Biden. The exquisite box, crafted by a skilled artisan from Jaipur, Rajasthan, holds great cultural significance.
The Symbolic ‘Das Danam’ Donations
The handcrafted silver box contains symbolic elements known as ‘Das Danam,’ representing the ten donations made on a momentous occasion. When an individual reaches the remarkable milestone of eighty years and eight months, having witnessed one thousand full moons, they are honored as ‘Drishta Sahasrachandro’ or the one who has beheld a thousand moons. This celebration acknowledges their rich experience of life and pays tribute to their wisdom.
As part of this ceremony, ten different kinds of donations, collectively known as ‘Das Danam,’ are traditionally offered. These include Gaudaan (donation of a cow), Bhudaan (donation of land), Tildaan (donation of sesame seeds), Hiranyadaan (donation of gold), Ajyadaan (donation of ghee or clarified butter), Dhaanyadaan (donation of food grains), Vastradaan (donation of clothes), Guddaan (donation of jaggery), Raupyadaan (donation of silver), and Lavandaan (donation of salt).
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The Significance of the Handcrafted Box
The handcrafted sandalwood box, sourced from the enchanting city of Mysore in Karnataka, showcases intricate carvings depicting various flora and fauna patterns. Within this precious box lies a silver idol of Lord Ganesha, the revered Hindu deity who is worshipped before all others and is believed to remove obstacles from one’s path. This idol holds immense spiritual significance.
Additionally, the box contains a meticulously handcrafted diya (oil lamp), skillfully created by artisans from a lineage of fifth-generation silversmiths in Kolkata. The diya is a sacred item found in every Hindu household, symbolizing the presence of divine light. Moreover, a copper plate known as tamper-Patra, sourced from Uttar Pradesh and inscribed with a sacred Shloka, also occupies a space within the box. This exquisite ensemble represents the rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage of India.
The Ten Donations within the Silver Boxes
The silver boxes presented by Prime Minister Modi to President Biden contain each of the ten symbolic donations, representing the significant milestones in a person’s life. Let’s explore the elements enclosed within this remarkable gift:
- Gaudaan (Donation of Cow): Instead of a live cow, a delicately handcrafted silver coconut from West Bengal serves as a representation of this traditional donation.
- Bhudaan (Donation of Land): A fragrant piece of sandalwood sourced from Mysore, Karnataka, takes the place of land, symbolizing this particular donation.
- Tildaan (Donation of Sesame Seeds): The silver box includes Til, which refers to white sesame seeds sourced from Tamil Nadu, offered as a representation of this donation.
- Hiranyadaan (Donation of Gold): A meticulously crafted 24K pure and hallmarked gold coin, hailing from Rajasthan, stands as a testament to the donation of gold.
- Ajyadaan (Donation of Ghee/Clarified Butter): The box also contains ghee or clarified butter, sourced from Punjab, signifying the donation of this sacred substance.
- Dhaanyadaan (Donation of Food Grains): Long-grained rice, sourced from Uttarakhand, is included in the box to represent the donation of food grains.
- Vastradaan (Donation of Clothes): A handwoven textured tussar silk cloth, sourced from Jharkhand, symbolizes the donation of clothes.
- Guddaan (Donation of Jaggery): Gud or jaggery sourced from Maharashtra represents this particular donation.
- Raupyadaan (Donation of Silver): The silver box holds a 99.5 percent pure and hallmarked silver coin, expertly crafted by artisans from Rajasthan, symbolizing the donation of silver.
- Lavandaan (Donation of Salt): Lavan or salt from Gujarat is included in the box, representing the donation of salt.
The Special Literary Gift
In addition to the handcrafted sandalwood box and the symbolic donations, Prime Minister Modi presented a unique literary gift to President Biden. He offered a copy of the first edition print of the book ‘The Ten Principal Upanishads.’ Published by M/s Faber and Faber Ltd of London and printed at the University Press Glasgow, this valuable book serves as a significant addition to the personal library of President Biden.
The state visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States marks a significant step towards strengthening diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The presentation of the handcrafted sandalwood box with its symbolic ‘Das Danam’ donations and the literary gift exemplifies the cultural richness and deep-rooted traditions of India. This remarkable gesture fosters a sense of goodwill and further strengthens the bond between these influential world leaders.
