Shloka 8
Rantideva’s Supreme Charity and the Hastī Lineage
Hastināpura and Pañcāla Origins
याते शूद्रे तमन्योऽगादतिथि: श्वभिरावृत: । राजन् मे दीयतामन्नं सगणाय बुभुक्षते ॥ ८ ॥
yāte śūdre tam anyo ’gād atithiḥ śvabhir āvṛtaḥ rājan me dīyatām annaṁ sagaṇāya bubhukṣate
When the śūdra had departed, another guest arrived, surrounded by dogs, and said, “O King, I and my company of dogs are greatly hungry. Please give us food.”
FAQs
This verse shows that guests may arrive unexpectedly and request food; the king is addressed directly, highlighting hospitality as a key aspect of righteous conduct (dharma).
The narrative presents an unusual, testing arrival—an atithi accompanied by dogs—emphasizing that true hospitality and compassion are shown even when the situation appears inconvenient or socially uncomfortable.
Practice respectful generosity: help those who ask sincerely for necessities like food, and avoid judging worthiness by external appearances or associations.