Shloka 2.91.57
भरद्वाजाश्रमे भरतसैन्यस्य दिव्यात्मिथ्यम् / Divine Hospitality to Bharata’s Army at Bharadvaja’s Hermitage
इक्षूंश्च मधुलाजांश्च भोजयन्ति स्म वाहनान्।इक्ष्वाकुवरयोधानां चोदयन्तो महाबला:।।।।
ikṣūṃś ca madhulājāṃś ca bhojayanti sma vāhanān |
ikṣvākuvarayodhānāṃ codayanto mahābalāḥ ||
Powerful attendants urged the transport animals of the Ikṣvāku princes’ warriors to eat, feeding them sugarcane and sweet parched grain mixed with honey.
The draughtaimals of the illustrious warriors of Ikshvaku kings were urged by the highly energetic attendants to eat more and more of parched grain mixed with sugarcane and honey.
Dharma is shown as conscientious duty: sustaining strength—of people and animals—through proper nourishment and attentive service.
The hospitality extends to feeding the animals richly and encouraging them to eat well, supporting the army’s functioning.
Diligence and competence in service roles—small duties performed well uphold the larger moral order.