Shloka 25
Cyavana Explains His Tests; Kuśika Seeks Brāhmaṇya for His Line (च्यवन–कुशिक संवादः)
अथ सूर्योडतिचक्राम तेषां संवदतां तथा । अथर्षिश्षलोदयामास पानमन्नं तथैव च,इस प्रकार उनमें बातें होते-होते सूर्यास्त हो गया। तब महर्षिने राजाको अन्न और जल ले आनेकी आज्ञा दी
atha sūryo ’tīcakrāma teṣāṃ saṃvadatāṃ tathā | atharṣiḥ śīghram ājñāpayāmāsa pānam annaṃ tathaiva ca ||
As they continued their conversation, the sun set. Then the great sage promptly instructed the king to bring water to drink and food as well, so that the duties of hospitality and bodily sustenance would not be neglected even amid serious discourse.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even during weighty discussions on dharma, one should not neglect practical duties—especially hospitality and timely care for guests and oneself (providing food and drink at the proper time).
While the speakers are still conversing, evening arrives with sunset; the sage then promptly orders the king to bring food and drinking water, marking a pause for sustenance and proper observance of etiquette.