Shloka 5
राजपूजाविधानम् / Royal Reception Protocols during Āśvamedha Preparations
सुपूजिते स्वयं कुन्त्या पार्थस्य हितकाम्यया । सच राजा महातेजा: पूजितो बशभ्रुवाहन:
supūjite svayaṃ kuntyā pārthasya hitakāmyayā | sa ca rājā mahātejāḥ pūjito vaśabhrūvāhanaḥ ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: When he had been duly honored—personally by Kuntī, who sought what was beneficial for Pārtha (Arjuna)—that mighty, radiant king, Vaśabhrūvāhana, was also respectfully received. The passage highlights the ethic of honoring guests and allies with sincere intention for another’s welfare, rather than for personal gain.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores dharmic conduct through sincere honoring of others—especially guests or allied kings—motivated by the welfare (hita) of one’s family member (here, Arjuna), not by self-interest.
Vaiśaṃpāyana narrates that Kuntī personally offers due honor and reception; as a result, the powerful king Vaśabhrūvāhana is respectfully welcomed, with Kuntī’s intention centered on Arjuna’s benefit.