Shloka 1.53.3

शबलाप्रार्थना–वसिष्ठप्रतिज्ञा (The Request for Śabalā and Vasiṣṭha’s Refusal)

Devanagari script

उष्णाढ्यस्योदनस्यात्र राशय: पर्वतोपमा:।मृष्टान्नानि च सूपाश्च दधिकुल्यास्तथैव च।।1.53.3।।नानास्वादुरसानां च षाडबानां तथैव च।भाजनानि सुपूर्णानि गौडानि च सहस्रश:।।1.53.4।।

Transliteration

uṣṇāḍhyasyodanasya atra rāśayaḥ parvatopamāḥ |

mṛṣṭānnāni ca sūpāś ca dadhikulyās tathaiva ca || 1.53.3 ||

Translation

There were heaps of steaming rice like mountains, with delicacies and soups, and even streams of curds flowing—an abundant reception arranged there.

Context

Heaps of hot rice as high as mountains, savoury food, condiments and on abundance of curd, various kinds of soups, containers in their thousands completely filled with edibles with all six tastes and preparations made of jaggery (were distributed).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma

FAQs

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

It highlights atithi-dharma: honoring guests through generous, respectful hospitality, offered without meanness or calculation.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha’s hermitage provides lavish provisions to host Viśvāmitra’s party; the abundance sets the stage for Viśvāmitra’s later desire for Śabalā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vasiṣṭha’s generosity and capacity to sustain others through righteous abundance.