Shloka 1.51.3
शतानन्दोपदेशः — Śatānanda’s Welcome to Rāma and the Prelude to Viśvāmitra’s History
स तौ निषण्णौ सम्प्रेक्ष्य सुखासीनौ नृपात्मजौ।शतानन्दो मुनिश्रेष्ठं विश्वामित्रमथामब्रवीत्।।।।
sa tau niṣaṇṇau samprekṣya sukhāsīnau nṛpātmajau |
śatānando muni-śreṣṭhaṁ viśvāmitram athābravīt ||
Seeing the two princes seated nearby at ease, Śatānanda then spoke to Viśvāmitra, the foremost among sages.
Satananda saw the two princes comfortably seated nearby and said to Viswamitra, the foremost of the ascetics:
Dharma appears as proper conduct in assemblies: observing guests, speaking at the right moment, and addressing elders with honor—social righteousness that sustains sacred discourse.
In Mithilā’s setting, Śatānanda notices Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa seated comfortably and begins a conversation with Viśvāmitra, leading into questions about Ahalyā.
Courtesy and reverence (vinaya): Śatānanda addresses Viśvāmitra as the foremost sage, modeling respectful speech.