Shloka 65
Adhyāya 90: Babhruvāhana’s Reception and the Commencement of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Aśvamedha
इत्युक्त्वा55दाय तान् सक्तून् प्रीतात्मा द्विजसत्तम: । प्रहसन्निव विप्राय स तस्मै प्रददौ तदा,यों कहकर श्रेष्ठ ब्राह्मणने प्रसन्नतापूर्वक वह सत्तू ले लिया और हँसते हुए-से उस ब्राह्मण अतिथिको परोस दिया
ity uktvā dāya tān saktūn prītātmā dvijasattamaḥ | prahasann iva viprāya sa tasmai pradadau tadā ||
Having spoken thus, the best of Brahmins—his heart filled with gladness—took those morsels of saktu and, as if smiling, then served them to that Brahmin guest.
पुत्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights atithi-dharma: honouring a guest through sincere offering. The moral emphasis is not on the richness of the food but on the purity of intention—gladly giving what one has, with respect and warmth.
After speaking, the foremost Brahmin takes the saktu (simple food) and, smiling as if in gentle joy, serves it to the Brahmin guest, portraying a moment of courteous hospitality and willing giving.