Shloka 69
Atithi-satkāra and the Consolation of Wise Counsel (अतिथिसत्कारः प्रज्ञानवचनस्य च पराश्वासनम्)
धाम सारो हि भूतानाम् ऋतं चैव विचारितम् । ऋतधथामा ततो विप्रै: सद्यक्चाहं प्रकीर्तित:
dhāma sāro hi bhūtānām ṛtaṃ caiva vicāritam | ṛtadhāmā tato vipraiḥ sadyak cāhaṃ prakīrtitaḥ ||
“Among beings, the true ‘abode’ and the very essence is the principle of ṛta (cosmic truth and right order); this has been duly examined and affirmed. Therefore, O brāhmaṇas, I am rightly celebrated as ‘Ṛtadhāmā’—one whose dwelling is in ṛta.”
तामिन्द्र उवाच गच्छ नहुषस्त्वया वाच्योथ<पूर्वेण मामृषियुक्तेन यानेन त्वमधिरूढ
Educational Q&A
The verse elevates ṛta—truth as cosmic and moral order—as the deepest ‘abode’ and essence of all beings. Ethical life and rightful authority are grounded in alignment with ṛta; hence one is praised as truly established only when rooted in that order.
The speaker asserts a title or epithet—‘Ṛtadhāmā’—claiming that learned brāhmaṇas rightly proclaim him so, because he is established in ṛta. It functions as a self-characterization that links reputation and legitimacy to adherence to truth and right order.