Shloka 21
वसिष्ठ-आतिथ्यं
Vasiṣṭha’s Hospitality to Viśvāmitra and the Summoning of Śabalā/Kāmadhenu
एह्येहि शबले क्षिप्रं श्रृणु चापि वचो मम।सबलस्यास्य राजर्षे:कर्तुं व्यवसितोऽस्म्यहम्।।।।भोजनेन महार्हेण सत्कारं संविधत्स्व मे।
ehy ehi śabale kṣipraṃ śṛṇu cāpi vaco mama |
sabalasyāsya rājarṣeḥ kartuṃ vyavasito ’smy aham ||
bhojanena mahārheṇa satkāraṃ saṃvidhatsva me ||
হে শবলে, শীঘ্র এসো, এসো; আমার কথা শোনো। আমি এই বলবান রাজর্ষিকে মহার্হ ভোজনে সম্মানিত করতে স্থির করেছি; তুমি আমার জন্য তার ব্যবস্থা করো।
Foremost among kings, the brilliant Viswamitra, having received hospitality from Vasishta, enquired about his welbeing his austerities, his fire-sacrifices, his disciples and trees (in his hermitage). Vasishta, too, informed him of the welfare of all.
FAQs
Atithi-satkāra: honoring a guest appropriately (mahārha) and completely (including attendants), reflecting dharma as comprehensive responsibility.
Vasiṣṭha commands Śabalā to prepare a worthy feast for Viśvāmitra and his entire following.
Generosity guided by propriety—Vasiṣṭha’s resolve to meet the guest’s needs without limitation.