Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 13, Shloka 12
हयमेध
यज्ञोपक्रमः — Commencement of the Aśvamedha Preparations
तथा जानपदस्यापि जनस्य बहुशोभनम्।दातव्यमन्नं विधिवत्सत्कृत्य न तु लीलया।।1.13.12।।
tathā jānapadasyāpi janasya bahuśobhanam | dātavyam annaṃ vidhivat satkṛtya na tu līlayā || 1.13.12 ||
Ebenso soll dem Volk vom Lande Speise gegeben werden, die wahrhaft angemessen ist — nach rechter Sitte dargebracht und mit ehrerbietiger Gastfreundschaft, nicht nachlässig oder spielerisch.
In the same way people coming from rural areas also should be duly, not casualy treated with respect.
FAQs
Hospitality as dharma: even ordinary visitors—especially rural folk—must be fed properly and respectfully, not treated as an afterthought.
During preparations for Daśaratha’s great sacrifice, Vasiṣṭha lays down standards for receiving and feeding all who arrive.
Maryādā (propriety) expressed through satkāra—careful, dignified service rather than negligent charity.