Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 15
अन्नदान-प्रशंसा (Praise of the Gift of Food) | Annadāna-Praśaṃsā
कृतैरावस थेैरननित्य॑ संप्रेष्यै: सपरिच्छदै: । निमन्त्रयेथा: कौरव्य सर्वकामसुखावहै:
bhīṣma uvāca |
kṛtair āvasathair anitya-saṁpreṣyaiḥ sa-paricchadaiḥ |
nimantrayedāḥ kauravya sarva-kāma-sukhāvahaiḥ ||
Bhishma said: O Kauravya (Yudhishthira), seek out—through messengers—those venerable brahmin sages who desire nothing from gods or men, who remain ever content, and who live on whatever comes to them. Invite them with well-prepared lodgings, attendants, and the necessary provisions—offerings that bring every rightful comfort. For when such men are distressed they can become terrible, like venomous serpents; therefore protect yourself by honoring them. Day after day, receive them in your home with complete respect and hospitality, for such reverence secures welfare and happiness.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king safeguards his realm and his own welfare by honoring truly content, desireless brahmin sages with proper hospitality—lodging, attendants, and respectful daily reception. Neglecting or offending such persons is dangerous; reverence toward them is presented as a practical form of protection grounded in dharma.
In Bhishma’s post-war instruction to Yudhishthira (Anushasana Parva), he advises the king to locate worthy brahmins through messengers and invite them to stay, providing comfortable arrangements and continual honor, warning that distressed sages can become fearsome if wronged.