Chapter 2: Sudarśana Upākhyāna — Atithi-Dharma and the Conquest of Mṛtyu
Gṛhastha-Vrata
ततस्ते कल्यमुत्थाय तस्मै राज्ञे न्यवेदयन् । ब्राह्मणा विस्मिता: सर्वे यदुक्तं चित्रभानुना,यह सुनकर आश्वर्यचकित हुए सब ब्राह्मणोंने सबेरे उठकर, अग्निदेवने जो कहा था वह सब कुछ राजासे निवेदन किया
tataste kalyam utthāya tasmai rājñe nyavedayan | brāhmaṇā vismitāḥ sarve yad uktaṃ citrabhānunā ||
ثم لما أصبحوا نهضوا وأبلغوا الملك بكل ما جرى. وقد ذُهل جميع البراهمة، ونقلوا إلى الحاكم حرفًا بحرف ما قاله تشِترَبْهانو (أغني، إله النار).
भीष्म उवाच
The verse highlights dharmic procedure: when extraordinary or divine instruction is received, it should be conveyed responsibly to legitimate authority (the king) so that action aligns with public duty, truth, and social order rather than private decision.
After hearing Citrabhānu (Agni) speak, the brāhmaṇas are amazed. The next morning they rise and formally report the entire message to the king, placing the matter before him for appropriate royal judgment and action.