Shloka 2.91.18

भरद्वाजाश्रमे भरतसैन्यस्य दिव्यात्मिथ्यम् / Divine Hospitality to Bharata’s Army at Bharadvaja’s Hermitage

Devanagari script

शक्रं याश्चोपतिष्ठन्ति ब्रह्माणं याश्च योषितः।सर्वास्तुम्बुरुणा सार्धमाह्वये सपरिच्छदाः।।।।

Transliteration

abravīd bharatas tv enaṃ nanv idaṃ bhavatā kṛtam | pādyam arghyaṃ tathā ’tithyaṃ vane yad upapadyate ||

Translation

Bharata said to him (Bharadvāja): “Indeed, you have already shown hospitality—offering foot-water, the arghya offering, and whatever welcome is possible here in the forest.”

Context

I invoke all the women who attend on Indra and Bramha along with tumbur with all their (musical) instruments.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Bharadvāja
• forest (vana)
• pādya
• arghya
• ātithya

FAQs

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

Atithi-dharma (duty to honor guests): Bharata acknowledges that even in austere forest conditions, a host should offer respectful reception—foot-water, arghya, and fitting care.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata has arrived with a large retinue at sage Bharadvāja’s hermitage; he recognizes the sage’s proper welcome and hospitality despite the wilderness setting.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s humility and gratitude—he openly credits the sage’s effort and observes the propriety of hospitality.