Shloka 23
तदैव तु मया तस्य चित्तज्ञेन गृहे जनः । सर्वाण्यन्नानि पानानि भक्ष्याश्नोच्चावचास्तथा
tadaiva tu mayā tasya cittajñena gṛhe janaḥ | sarvāṇy annāni pānāni bhakṣyāśnoccāvacās tathā ||
Vāyu said: “At that very time, since I could read his mind, I had already instructed the people of the household to prepare—respectfully and in advance—all kinds of food and drink, and various edibles and dishes, of superior and middling quality. Everything was ready as I had directed; therefore I offered the sage hot, freshly prepared rice-pudding.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic hospitality: anticipating a guest’s needs and arranging respectful, adequate nourishment. Ethical conduct is shown not merely in giving, but in thoughtful preparation and honoring the guest (especially a sage) with suitable offerings.
Vāyu explains that, knowing the sage’s intention, he had the household prepare a full range of foods and drinks in advance. Since everything was ready, he then served the arriving sage hot kheer (rice-pudding).