Shloka 5
Jarītā–Śārṅgā-saṃvāda: Ākhu-haraṇa and the Approach of Agni (आखुहरणं अग्न्यागमनश्च)
ब्राह्मण उवाच नाहमन्न बुभुक्षे वै पावकं॑ मां निबोधतम् | यदन्नमनुरूपं मे तद् युवां सम्प्रयच्छतम्,ब्राह्मणदेवताने कहा--वीरो! मुझे अन्नकी भूख नहीं है, आपलोग मुझे अग्नि समझें। जो अन्न मेरे अनुरूप हो, वही आप दोनों मुझे दें
brāhmaṇa uvāca: nāham anna-bubhukṣe vai pāvakaṃ māṃ nibodhata | yad annam anurūpaṃ me tad yuvāṃ samprayacchatam ||
The Brahmin said: “Truly, I do not hunger for ordinary food. Know me as Fire itself. Therefore, you two should offer me only that ‘food’ which is fitting for my nature.”
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
True giving requires discernment: one should offer what is appropriate to the recipient’s nature and need. The verse frames ‘food’ ethically and symbolically—an offering should match the real identity and purpose of the one who receives it.
A Brahmin addresses two persons and reveals that he is not seeking ordinary sustenance; he identifies himself as Fire (Agni) and asks them to provide the kind of ‘food’ suitable for fire—implying a special offering rather than common alms.