Shloka 67
Sūrya-stava: Dhaumya’s Counsel and the Aṣṭaśata-nāma of Sūrya
त्वं ममापन्नकामस्य सर्वातिथ्यं चिकीर्षत: । अन्नमन्नपते दातुमभित: श्रद्धयाहसि,अन्नपते! मैं श्रद्धापूर्वक सबका आतिथ्य करनेकी इच्छासे अन्न प्राप्त करना चाहता हूँ। आप मुझे अन्न देनेकी कृपा करें
tvam mamāpannakāmasya sarvātithyaṃ cikīrṣataḥ | annam annapate dātum abhitaḥ śraddhayāhasi, annapate ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “I am in need and seek food, that I may duly offer hospitality to all. O Lord of Food, Annapati—since you can grant sustenance with faith on every side—be pleased to give me food.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in hardship, one should uphold ātithya-dharma (the duty of hospitality). Yudhiṣṭhira frames his request for food not as personal indulgence but as a means to serve guests, showing that ethical duty and reverent faith guide rightful seeking.
In the forest setting of the Vana Parva, Yudhiṣṭhira addresses ‘Annapati,’ imploring for food so he can properly host and feed others. The verse presents a supplicatory moment where scarcity meets the king’s commitment to dharma.