Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 91, Shloka 50
भरद्वाजाश्रमे भरतसैन्यस्य दिव्यात्मिथ्यम् / Divine Hospitality to Bharata’s Army at Bharadvaja’s Hermitage
ततस्सरलतालाश्च तिलका नक्तमालकाः।प्रहृष्टास्तत्र सम्पेतुः कुब्जा भूत्वाऽथ वामनाः।।।।
tataḥ saralatālāś ca tilakā naktamālakāḥ |
prahṛṣṭās tatra sampetuḥ kubjā bhūtvā 'tha vāmanāḥ ||
Then the sarala and tāla trees, the tilaka and the naktamāla trees—delighted—moved about there after taking the forms of hunchbacks and dwarfs.
Thereafter pine, palmyra, tilaka, and naktamala trees were transformed into hunchbacks and dwarfs and moved about in great delight.
FAQs
Even marvels are framed as service to guests; dharma is measured by intent—extraordinary power is used to honor and care for others.
The celebratory, magical hospitality continues: trees assume playful human-like forms and move about joyfully.
Bharadvāja’s benevolent command over the environment, suggesting disciplined spiritual attainment rather than spectacle for its own sake.