Shloka 48
ब्राह्मणपूजा-राजधर्मः | Royal Duty of Honoring Learned Brahmins
सतं विदित्वा तु भगुर्निश्चक्रामाश्रमात् तदा । पूजयामास च ततो विधिना नृपसत्तमम्
sataṁ viditvā tu bhagur niścakrāmāśramāt tadā | pūjayāmāsa ca tato vidhinā nṛpasattamam ||
Bhīṣma said: Recognizing him as a man of true virtue, Bhagu then came forth from his hermitage. Thereafter, in keeping with proper rites and decorum, he duly honored the best of kings—showing that dharma is revealed not only in austerity, but also in respectful conduct toward the worthy.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True dharma includes recognizing virtue in others and responding with appropriate honor; righteousness is expressed through disciplined, rule-guided conduct (vidhi), especially in receiving and respecting worthy persons.
The sage Bhagu, realizing the visitor is a righteous and eminent king, comes out of his hermitage and formally honors him according to prescribed rites and proper etiquette.