Shloka 1.52.22

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

Devanagari script

यस्य यस्य यथाकामं षड्रसेष्वभिपूजितम्।तत्सर्वं कामधुक्क्षिप्रमभिवर्ष कृते मम।।।।

Transliteration

sukhopaviṣṭaṃ rājānaṃ viśvāmitraṃ mahātapāḥ |

papraccha japatāṃ śreṣṭho vasiṣṭho brahmaṇas sutaḥ ||

Translation

Seeing king Viśvāmitra seated in comfort, Vasiṣṭha—Brahmā’s son, foremost among those devoted to sacred recitation (japa), and rich in austerity—questioned him further.

Context

O Kamadhenu! quickly entertain them for my sake with the food of six kinds of tastes (varieties of rich dishes) as desired by each.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Viśvāmitra
• Brahmā

FAQs

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

Dharma in dialogue: thoughtful inquiry after establishing comfort and respect—speech becomes a tool for harmony rather than conflict.

What is the narrative situation?

With Viśvāmitra now settled, Vasiṣṭha begins a formal enquiry, leading into questions about the king’s welfare and governance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vasiṣṭha’s disciplined speech and attentiveness—he proceeds methodically, reflecting a sage’s restraint.