Shloka 1.52.13

वसिष्ठ-आतिथ्यं (Vasiṣṭha’s Hospitality to Viśvāmitra and the Summoning of Śabalā/Kāmadhenu)

Devanagari script

आतिथ्यं कर्तुमिच्छामि बलस्यास्य महाबल ।तव चैवाप्रमेयस्य यथार्हं सम्प्रतीच्छ मे।।।।

Transliteration

ātithyaṃ kartum icchāmi balasyāsya mahābala | tava caivāprameyasya yathārhaṃ sampratīccha me ||

Translation

O mighty one, I wish to offer fitting hospitality to you and to this army of yours, so vast as to be beyond measure; please accept it from me.

Context

O Highy powerful Viswamitra! I wish to offer appropriate hospitality to you and to your incomparable army. Be pleased to accept it.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Viśvāmitra
• army (sena/bala)

FAQs

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

Atithi-dharma: a host should offer fitting hospitality to guests, honoring them according to their status and needs.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha formally invites Viśvāmitra and his accompanying army to accept hospitality at the hermitage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vasiṣṭha’s generosity and sense of obligation toward guests.