Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 22
Duryodhana’s Envy at Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rājasūya and the Avabhṛtha Festival
अथ राजाहते क्षौमे परिधाय स्वलङ्कृत: । ऋत्विक्सदस्यविप्रादीनानर्चाभरणाम्बरै: ॥ २२ ॥
atha rājāhate kṣaume paridhāya sv-alaṅkṛtaḥ ṛtvik-sadasya-viprādīn ānarcābharaṇāmbaraiḥ
Next the King donned fresh silken garments and adorned himself with splendid jewelry. He then honored the priests, the assembly officials, the learned brāhmaṇas and all other guests by presenting them ornaments and fine clothing.
Śrīla Prabhupāda writes: “The King not only dressed himself and decorated himself, but he also gave clothing and ornaments to all the priests and to the others who had participated in the yajñas. In this way he worshiped them all.”
FAQs
This verse shows the king honoring ṛtviks, learned assembly members, and brāhmaṇas through worshipful respect and charitable gifts like ornaments and fine garments—an expression of dharma and reverence for sacred learning.
It highlights royal propriety and ritual purity: the king dresses in clean, unworn cloth and proper adornment before formally honoring the priests and brāhmaṇas, emphasizing respectful conduct in sacred or ceremonial settings.
One can practice respectful support of genuine spiritual teachers and devotional communities—through service, appropriate charity, and honoring those dedicated to worship and learning—while maintaining cleanliness and sincerity in one’s offerings.