Shloka 22
Jatāyu’s Resistance, Sītā’s Traces, Kabandha’s Release, and the Path to Sugrīva (Āraṇyaka-parva 263)
भोजयित्वा द्विजान् सर्वान् पतींश्व वरवर्णिनी । विश्रान्ता च स्वयं भुक्त्वा सुखासीना भवेद् यदा
bhojayitvā dvijān sarvān patīṁś ca varavarṇinī | viśrāntā ca svayaṁ bhuktvā sukhāsīnā bhaved yadā ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “After the fair-complexioned lady has fed all the Brahmins and also her husband(s), and then—having herself eaten—rests, she sits at ease in comfort.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights gṛhastha-dharma: one should first honor and feed worthy guests—especially Brahmins—and attend to one’s family obligations; only after serving others should one eat and rest. Ethical priority is placed on hospitality, generosity, and self-discipline.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes a domestic sequence of proper conduct: the lady feeds the Brahmins and her husband(s), then eats herself, and finally rests comfortably—indicating that her ease comes after fulfilling duties of service and hospitality.