Shloka 1.52.5

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

Devanagari script

प्रतिगृह्य तु तां पूजां वसिष्ठाद्राजसत्तम:।तपोग्निहोत्रशिष्येषु कुशलं पर्यपृच्छत।।1.52.4।।विश्वामित्रो महातेजा वनस्पतिगणे तथा ।सर्वत्र कुशलं चाह वसिष्ठो राजसत्तमम्।।1.52.5।।

Transliteration

yasya yasya yathākāmaṃ ṣaḍraseṣv abhipūjitam |

tat sarvaṃ kāmadhuk kṣipram abhivarṣa kṛte mama ||

Translation

“O Kāmadhenu—quickly provide, for my sake, everything that each person desires, honored with the full range of the six tastes.”

Context

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

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Kāmadhenu (Śabalā)

FAQs

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

Dharma as attentive care: true hospitality considers individual needs and provides fitting abundance without neglect.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha specifies the standard of the feast—varied, complete, and tailored to each guest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Thoughtful generosity—Vasiṣṭha’s concern is not minimal offering but complete satisfaction of the guest.