Shloka 1.53.4

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

nānāsvādurasānāṃ ca ṣāḍabānāṃ tathaiva ca |

bhājanāni supūrṇāni gauḍāni ca sahasraśaḥ || 1.53.4 ||

Translation

And there were thousands of vessels filled to the brim with foods of many flavors—indeed with all six tastes—and countless jaggery-sweets as well.

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?

Dharma here is expressed as fullness in giving: the host ensures completeness and dignity in service, not mere minimal obligation.

What is the narrative situation?

The text continues describing the exceptional hospitality provided at Vasiṣṭha’s āśrama to the visiting royal-sage and his entourage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Abundance guided by restraint and propriety—generosity that supports social harmony.