Shloka 2.64.35

शब्दवेध्य-अनर्थः, ऋषिशापः, दशरथस्य प्राणत्यागः (The Sound-Target Tragedy, the Sage’s Curse, and Dasaratha’s Death)

Devanagari script

कन्दमूलफलं हृत्वा को मां प्रियमिवातिथिम्।भोजयिष्यत्यकर्मण्यमप्रग्रहमनायकम्।।।।

Transliteration

kandamūlaphalaṃ hṛtvā ko māṃ priyam ivātithim | bhojayiṣyaty akarmaṇyam apragraham anāyakam ||

Translation

Who will bring tubers, roots, and fruits and feed me like a cherished guest—me who am helpless, unable to do work, unable to procure what is needed, and without any guide?

Context

'I am incapable of doing any work, I am unable to procure anything (to meet my needs. now). I have no guide (to help me walk my way). Who will feed me like a welcome guest with tubers and fruits?

Characters & Entities

• ascetic father
• tubers/roots/fruits (kanda-mūla-phala)
• guest (atithi)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Sevā as dharma: feeding and supporting dependents is a moral duty; the father’s helplessness underscores why harming a caregiver-son creates cascading suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

The father laments practical survival in the hermitage—food gathering and daily support—formerly provided by the son.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hospitality and care expressed through provision of food—Śravaṇa’s service is likened to honoring a guest.