Nābhāga’s Inheritance, Śiva’s Verdict, and the Rise of Ambarīṣa—Prelude to Durvāsā’s Offense
दुर्वास यमुनाकूलात् कृतावश्यक आगत: । राज्ञाभिनन्दितस्तस्य बुबुधे चेष्टितं धिया ॥ ४२ ॥
durvāsā yamunā-kūlāt kṛtāvaśyaka āgataḥ rājñābhinanditas tasya bubudhe ceṣṭitaṁ dhiyā
After completing the noon rites, Durvāsā returned from the bank of the Yamunā. The King honored him duly, yet Durvāsā, by mystic insight, understood that Ambarīṣa had drunk water without his permission.
It states that after completing his ritual observances at the Yamunā, Durvāsā returned and, though welcomed by King Ambarīṣa, immediately understood by his own intelligence what the King had done.
Because Durvāsā was a powerful sage; upon being received by the King, he discerned that Ambarīṣa had acted (by taking water) to protect his vow and the time-bound religious duty, even before the guest had eaten.
It teaches that one should honor guests sincerely, yet also act responsibly to uphold one’s legitimate duties—ideally by balancing etiquette with clear, conscientious decision-making.