Shloka 1.48.8

अहल्याशापवर्णनम् (The Account of Ahalyā’s Curse and the Deserted Hermitage near Mithilā)

Devanagari script

विश्वामित्रवचश्श्रुत्वा राजा परमहर्षित:।अतिथी परमौ प्राप्तौ पुत्रौ दशरथस्य तौ।।।।पूजयामास विधिवत्सत्कारार्हौ महाबलौ।

Transliteration

viśvāmitravacaś śrutvā rājā paramaharṣitaḥ |

atithī paramau prāptau putrau daśarathasya tau ||

pūjayāmāsa vidhivat satkārārhau mahābalau ||

Translation

Hearing Viśvāmitra’s words, King Sumati was filled with supreme delight. Seeing the two sons of Daśaratha arrive as honored guests—mighty and worthy of reverence—he received them and hosted them with worshipful hospitality according to proper custom.

Context

After hearing Viswamitra, the king (Sumati) got exceedingly delighted and extendedhospitality in accordance with tradition to the highly valiant sons of Dasaratha, the distinguished guests worthy of honour.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Sumati
• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Atithi-dharma: honoring guests—especially worthy visitors—according to established righteous custom (vidhi), without neglect or delay.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa arrive with Viśvāmitra, and King Sumati, pleased by Viśvāmitra’s words, receives the princes with due ceremonial hospitality.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sumati’s maryādā (propriety) and generosity—he recognizes worth and responds with respectful, dharmic welcome.