Shloka 2.91.55

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

Devanagari script

संवाहन्त्यस्समापेतुर्नार्यो रुचिरलोचनाः।परिमृज्य तथाऽन्योन्यं पाययन्ति वराङ्गनाः।।।।

Transliteration

saṃvāhantyaḥ samāpetur nāryo ruciralocanāḥ |

parimṛjya tathā ’nyonyaṃ pāyayanti varāṅganāḥ ||

Translation

Women with lovely eyes came forward to massage them; and the finest ladies, wiping them dry, also made them drink—each serving the other in turn.

Context

Some women with beautiful eyes quickly approached them for massaging. The best of ladies wiped their bodies dry and gave each other wine to drink.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata’s soldiers (implicit)

FAQs

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

It continues the theme of अतिथि-धर्म—service rendered thoroughly to guests; at the same time, it foreshadows how indulgence can test self-control (dama) within dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

After bathing and anointing, attendants massage, dry, and offer drinks to Bharata’s retinue as part of the lavish reception.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Attentive service and refined care; the scene also implicitly contrasts external comfort with the need for inner discipline.