Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 55
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
बन्धून् सदारान् ससुतान् पारिबर्हेण भूयसा । विदर्भकोशलकुरून् काशिकेकयसृञ्जयान् ॥ ५५ ॥ सदस्यर्त्विक्सुरगणान् नृभूतपितृचारणान् । श्रीनिकेतमनुज्ञाप्य शंसन्त: प्रययु: क्रतुम् ॥ ५६ ॥
bandhūn sa-dārān sa-sutān pāribarheṇa bhūyasā vidarbha-kośala-kurūn kāśi-kekaya-sṛñjayān
With opulent gifts he honored his relatives, including all their wives and children; the royalty of the Vidarbha, Kosala, Kuru, Kāśī, Kekaya and Sṛñjaya kingdoms; the officiating members of the assembly; and also the priests, witnessing demigods, humans, spirits, forefathers and Cāraṇas. Then, taking permission from Lord Kṛṣṇa, the shelter of the goddess of fortune, the various guests departed as they all chanted the glories of Vasudeva’s sacrifice.
FAQs
This verse highlights dharmic hospitality—honoring relatives and visiting kings with abundant gifts and provisions, showing respect and goodwill in sacred gatherings.
Because Kurukṣetra had become a major sacred assembly where many royal lineages and regions gathered, and the narrative emphasizes the broad, pan-Indian fellowship around Kṛṣṇa’s presence.
Practice respectful generosity—welcome family and guests, share resources according to capacity, and maintain harmonious relationships, especially during spiritual or family gatherings.