Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 14
Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Homecoming, Sacrificial Assembly, and Instruction on Devotional Kingship
तस्मिन्नर्हत्सु सर्वेषु स्वर्चितेषु यथार्हत: । उत्थित: सदसो मध्ये ताराणामुडुराडिव ॥ १४ ॥
tasminn arhatsu sarveṣu sv-arciteṣu yathārhataḥ utthitaḥ sadaso madhye tārāṇām uḍurāḍ iva
In that great assembly, Mahārāja Pṛthu first of all worshiped all the respectable visitors according to their respective positions. After this, he stood up in the midst of the assembly, and it appeared that the full moon had arisen amongst the stars.
According to the Vedic system, the reception of great, exalted personalities, as arranged by Pṛthu Mahārāja in that great sacrificial arena, is very important. The first procedure in receiving guests is to wash their feet, and it is learned from Vedic literature that one time when Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira performed a Rājasūya-yajña, Kṛṣṇa took charge of washing the feet of the visitors. Similarly, Mahārāja Pṛthu also arranged for the proper reception of the demigods, the saintly sages, the brāhmaṇas and the great kings.
FAQs
This verse highlights “yathārhataḥ”—worshiping and honoring all worthy persons appropriately, showing that devotion includes correct etiquette and reverence toward sādhus.
After respectfully worshiping the assembled sages, Pṛthu stands in the center of the assembly with exceptional radiance and dignity—like the moon naturally prominent among the stars.
Practice humility and gratitude: honor teachers, elders, and sincere practitioners appropriately, and cultivate leadership that uplifts others rather than seeking personal prestige.