Shloka 19
कुरुसभायां केशवागमन-सत्कारविधानम् / Preparations to Honor Keśava at the Kuru Court
ते तु सर्वे समायान्तमग्निमिद्धमिव प्रभुम् । अर्चयामासुरर्चाह देशातिथिमुपस्थितम्
te tu sarve samāyāntam agnim iddham iva prabhum | arcayāmāsur arcāha deśātithim upasthitam ||
Then all of them, seeing the Lord approach—like a blazing, kindled fire—honoured him with due rites, reverently worshipping the atithi, the guest who had arrived from another place.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights atithi-dharma: a guest—especially one of stature—should be received with honour and proper rites. Ethical conduct is shown through reverent hospitality rather than suspicion or neglect.
A powerful figure approaches, compared to a blazing fire in splendour and intensity. Those present collectively rise to honour him, performing respectful worship and reception for the visiting guest.