Shloka 13
Nāradasya Rājadharma-praśnāḥ
Nārada’s Examination of Royal Ethics
उसी समय वेद और उपनिषदोंके ज्ञाता
tam āgatam ṛṣiṁ dṛṣṭvā nāradaṁ sarvadharmavit | sahasā pāṇḍavaśreṣṭhaḥ pratyutthāyānujaiḥ saha ||
Seeing the sage Nārada arrive—he who is versed in all aspects of dharma—Yudhiṣṭhira, foremost among the Pāṇḍavas, rose at once together with his younger brothers. With affectionate reverence and humility he bowed, offered Nārada a fitting seat, and then honored him according to rule with the traditional rites of hospitality—cows, madhuparka, arghya, and other offerings—worshipping him with precious gifts. Having attended to the sage’s wishes and satisfied him, the dharma-knowing king completed the reception in a manner that exemplifies righteous kingship.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights rājadharma expressed through atithi-satkāra: a righteous ruler honors spiritual authority and guests promptly and properly—rising in respect, offering a seat, and performing prescribed hospitality rites (arghya, madhuparka, gifts). Ethical kingship is shown not by power alone but by humility, restraint, and adherence to dharma.
Devarṣi Nārada arrives at the Pāṇḍavas’ assembly. Yudhiṣṭhira immediately stands with his brothers, bows, offers Nārada an honored seat, and performs formal hospitality and worship with traditional offerings and gifts, ensuring the sage is satisfied.