Shloka 24
राजपूजाविधानम् / Royal Reception Protocols during Āśvamedha Preparations
भोजन भोजनार्थिभ्यो दापयामास शत्रुहा | भीमसेनो महातेजा: सततं राजशासनात्,शत्रुसूदन महातेजस्वी भीमसेन महाराज युधिष्ठिरकी आज्ञासे भोजनार्थियोंको भोजन दिलानेके कामपर सदा डटे रहते थे
bhojanaṁ bhojanārthibhyo dāpayāmāsa śatruhā | bhīmaseno mahātejāḥ satataṁ rājaśāsanāt ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Auf Befehl des Königs sorgte der mächtige und strahlende Bhīmasena—Feindbezwinger—unablässig dafür, dass allen, die um Nahrung baten, Speise gereicht wurde. Die Stelle hebt königliche Verantwortung hervor, die sich in beständiger, geordneter Wohltätigkeit zeigt, und die sittliche Pflicht, Bedürftige nicht abzuweisen.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma for rulers and their agents includes ensuring public welfare—especially feeding those in need. Charity here is not sporadic but sustained, disciplined, and carried out under rightful authority, showing that power is meant to protect and provide.
Vaiśaṃpāyana narrates that Bhīma, acting under the king’s directive, remains continuously engaged in arranging meals for people who come seeking food—an organized act of hospitality and relief during the events of the Aśvamedhika context.