Shloka 1.52.4

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

Devanagari script

प्रतिगृह्य तु तां पूजां वसिष्ठाद्राजसत्तम:।तपोग्निहोत्रशिष्येषु कुशलं पर्यपृच्छत।।।।विश्वामित्रो महातेजा वनस्पतिगणे तथा ।सर्वत्र कुशलं चाह वसिष्ठो राजसत्तमम्।।।।

Transliteration

ehy ehi śabale kṣipraṃ śṛṇu cāpi vaco mama |

sabalasyāsya rājarṣeḥ kartuṃ vyavasito ’smy aham ||

bhojanena mahārheṇa satkāraṃ saṃvidhatsva me ||

Translation

“Come, come quickly, O Śabalā, and listen to my words. I have resolved to honor this royal sage—together with his forces—by offering food worthy of him. Make the arrangements for me.”

Context

Foremost among kings, the brilliant Viswamitra, having received hospitality from Vasishta, enquired about his welbeing his austerities, his fire-sacrifices, his disciples and trees (in his hermitage). Vasishta, too, informed him of the welfare of all.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Śabalā
• Viśvāmitra (rājarṣi)
• sainyam/retinue (implied by sabala)

FAQs

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

Atithi-satkāra: honoring a guest appropriately (mahārha) and completely (including attendants), reflecting dharma as comprehensive responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha commands Śabalā to prepare a worthy feast for Viśvāmitra and his entire following.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Generosity guided by propriety—Vasiṣṭha’s resolve to meet the guest’s needs without limitation.