Shloka 37
Vasiṣṭhāpavāha: Sarasvatī’s Diversion and Viśvāmitra’s Curse (वसिष्ठापवाहः)
तस्य तस्य सरिच्छेष्ठा गुहादिशयनादिकम् । षड़सं भोजन चैव दानं नानाविधं तथा,राजाके यज्ञमण्डपमें बुलाकर आया हुआ जो ब्राह्मण जहाँ कहीं ठहर गया, वहीं उसके लिये सरिताओंमें श्रेष्ठ सरस्वतीने पृथक्-पृथक् गृह, शय्या, आसन, षड्रस भोजन तथा नाना प्रकारके दानकी व्यवस्था की
tasya tasya saricchreṣṭhā guhādiśayanādikam | ṣaḍrasaṃ bhojanaṃ caiva dānaṃ nānāvidhaṃ tathā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Wherever each invited brāhmaṇa happened to stay—whether in a cave-like shelter or any other lodging—the river Sarasvatī, foremost among rivers, arranged for him separately a dwelling, bed, and seat, along with food of all six tastes and many kinds of gifts.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma through atithi-satkāra (honoring guests) and dāna (generosity): the worthy—especially brāhmaṇas invited for ritual—should be supported with respectful lodging, nourishing food, and appropriate gifts, offered thoughtfully and individually.
In the setting of a royal sacrificial gathering, brāhmaṇas arrive and settle wherever they find space. Sarasvatī, praised as the foremost river and treated as an active benefactor, provides each guest with separate arrangements—shelter, bed, seat, six-flavored meals, and varied donations.