Shloka 43
Inauspicious Omens and Arjuna’s Return from Dvārakā
अपि स्वित्पर्यभुङ्क्थास्त्वं सम्भोज्यान् वृद्धबालकान् । जुगुप्सितं कर्म किञ्चित्कृतवान्न यदक्षमम् ॥ ४३ ॥
api svit parya-bhuṅkthās tvaṁ sambhojyān vṛddha-bālakān jugupsitaṁ karma kiñcit kṛtavān na yad akṣamam
Did you fail to care for the elderly and the boys who deserved to dine with you—leaving them behind and eating alone? Or have you committed some abominable, unforgivable mistake?
It is the duty of a householder to feed first of all the children, the old members of the family, the brāhmaṇas and the invalids. Besides that, an ideal householder is required to call for any unknown hungry man to come and dine before he himself goes to take his meals. He is required to call for such a hungry man thrice on the road. The neglect of this prescribed duty of a householder, especially in the matter of the old men and children, is unpardonable.
FAQs
This verse treats neglect of those who should be honored and fed—especially the elderly and children—as a serious lapse in dharma and a possible cause of inauspiciousness.
Arjuna had returned looking disturbed, so Yudhiṣṭhira, fearing some breach of righteousness or ominous event, asks whether Arjuna neglected hospitality duties or committed an improper act.
Treat care for elders and children as sacred duty, maintain integrity in conduct, and practice respectful hospitality—especially toward those who depend on you or deserve protection.