Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 4
Arjuna Marries Subhadrā; Kṛṣṇa Honors Two Devotees in Mithilā (Śrutadeva and Bahulāśva)
तत्र वै वार्षितान् मासानवात्सीत् स्वार्थसाधक: । पौरै: सभाजितोऽभीक्ष्णं रामेणाजानता च स: ॥ ४ ॥
tatra vai vārṣitān māsān avātsīt svārtha-sādhakaḥ pauraiḥ sabhājito ’bhīkṣṇaṁ rāmeṇājānatā ca saḥ
He stayed there during the monsoon months to fulfill his purpose. Lord Balarāma and the other residents of the city, not recognizing him, offered him all honor and hospitality.
FAQs
This verse shows that citizens—and even Balarāma—offered repeated honor to a resident guest, illustrating the cultural dharma of respect, while also hinting that one should be discerning about a person’s inner intentions.
Śukadeva highlights Balarāma’s straightforward, guileless nature—he honored the person without suspicion—while the narrative signals that the visitor was acting for personal ends.
Offer basic respect and courtesy, but practice wise discernment—observe actions over time before placing deep trust or giving sensitive responsibility.