Shloka 1.52.21

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

Devanagari script

एह्येहि शबले क्षिप्रं श्रृणु चापि वचो मम।सबलस्यास्य राजर्षे:कर्तुं व्यवसितोऽस्म्यहम्।।।।भोजनेन महार्हेण सत्कारं संविधत्स्व मे।

Transliteration

pratigṛhya tu tāṃ pūjāṃ vasiṣṭhād rājasattamaḥ |

tapo’gnihotraśiṣyeṣu kuśalaṃ paryapṛcchata ||

viśvāmitro mahātejā vanaspatigaṇe tathā |

sarvatra kuśalaṃ cāha vasiṣṭho rājasattamam ||

Translation

Having accepted Vasiṣṭha’s hospitality, the foremost of kings—brilliant Viśvāmitra—enquired after the welfare of Vasiṣṭha’s austerities, sacred fires (agnihotra), and disciples, and also of the grove of trees about the hermitage. Vasiṣṭha, in turn, assured the best of kings that all was well in every respect.

Context

"O Sabala, come on quick! Listen to my words. I have decided to honour this royal saint and his army with excellent food. Make necessary arrangemets.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Vasiṣṭha

FAQs

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

Maryādā and mutual respect: even powerful figures uphold civility—asking after welfare and responding truthfully sustains social and spiritual order.

What is the narrative situation?

After formal hospitality, Viśvāmitra engages in courteous inquiry about Vasiṣṭha’s religious life and hermitage; Vasiṣṭha replies that all is well.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s courtesy and Vasiṣṭha’s truthful, composed reciprocity—each honors the other’s role (king and sage).