Shloka 14
Cyavana Explains His Tests; Kuśika Seeks Brāhmaṇya for His Line (च्यवन–कुशिक संवादः)
इतना कहकर राजा कुशिकने महामुनि च्यवनको बैठनेके लिये आसन दिया और स्वयं अपनी पत्नीके साथ उस स्थानपर आये, जहाँ वे मुनि विराजमान थे ।।
pragṛhya rājā bhṛṅgāraṃ pādyam asmai nyavedayat | kārayāmāsa sarvākṣa kriyās tasya mahātmanaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: Taking up the water-vessel, the king respectfully offered water for washing the sage’s feet. Thereafter he had all the proper rites of hospitality—such as the offering of arghya and related observances—duly performed for that great-souled ascetic. The passage highlights the ethical duty of honoring a guest, especially a venerable ṛṣi, through humble personal service and complete observance of prescribed courtesies.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches atithi-dharma: a ruler should personally honor a worthy guest—especially a sage—through humble service (offering pādya) and by ensuring the full set of customary rites (like arghya) are properly completed.
The king takes a ritual water-vessel and offers foot-washing water to the visiting sage, then arranges for all remaining hospitality rites to be carried out, demonstrating reverence and correct conduct toward an honored ascetic.