Shloka 2.91.77
भरद्वाजाश्रमे भरतसैन्यस्य दिव्यात्मिथ्यम् / Divine Hospitality to Bharata’s Army at Bharadvaja’s Hermitage
शुक्लानंशुमतश्चापि दन्तधावनसञ्चयान्।शुक्लांश्चन्दनकल्कांश्च समुद्गेष्ववतिष्ठतः।।2.91.76।।दर्पणापरिमृष्टांश्च वाससां चापि सञ्चयान्।पादुकोपानहां चैव युग्मानिच सहस्रशः।।2.91.77।।आञ्जनीः कङ्कतान्कूर्चान् शस्त्राणि च धनूंषि च।मर्मत्राणानि चित्राणि शयनान्यासनानि च।।2.91.78।।प्रतिपानह्रदान्पूर्णन्खरोष्ट्रगजवाजिनाम्।अवगाह्यसुतीर्थांश्चह्रदान् सोत्पलपुष्करान्।2.91.79।।आकाश वर्णप्रतिमान् स्वच्छतोयान्सुखप्लवान्।नीपवैडूर्यवर्णांश्च मृदून्यवससञ्चयान्।निर्वापार्थान् पशूनां ते ददृशुस्तत्र सर्वशः।।2.91.80।।
vājimukhyā manuṣyāś ca mattāś ca varavāraṇāḥ |
pracchādya bhagavan bhūmiṃ mahatīm anuyānti mām ||
“O venerable one, spirited horses, men, and mighty rutting elephants follow behind me, spreading out and covering a vast stretch of ground.”
There the soldiers beheld on every side stacks of toothbrushing sticks, white and bristled, white lumps of sandal paste placed in dishes made of leaves, well cleaned mirrors, collection of clothes, several pairs of footwear, collyrium boxes, combs, brushes for cleaning moustaches, weapons, parasoles, bows and shining armour, different kinds of couches, and seats. There were pools of drinking water for donkeys, camels, elephants and horses and excellent landing places filled with flowering lotuses and water lilies. The lakes were of transparent waters resembling the hue of the sky easy and comfortable for swimming. There they saw heaps of soft grass as green as sapphire and kadamva trees for animals to refresh themselves under.
Humility and truthful reporting (satya with vinaya): a leader acknowledges the scale of his retinue respectfully before a sage, indicating accountability rather than entitlement.
A royal figure explains to a sage that a large force—horses, men, and elephants—has come along with him, occupying a wide area.
Respect for spiritual authority and restraint in power: approaching a sage with deference despite commanding great numbers.