Shloka 5.1.120

समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing

Devanagari script

अतिथिः किल पूजार्हः प्राकृतोऽपि विजानता।धर्मं जिज्ञासमानेन किं पुनस्त्वादृशो महान्।।।।

Transliteration

atithiḥ kila pūjārhaḥ prākṛto 'pi vijānatā | dharmaṃ jijñāsamānena kiṃ punas tvādṛśo mahān ||

Translation

It is said that even an ordinary guest is worthy of honour by a wise person who seeks to understand dharma—how much more, then, a great one like you.

Context

"Even a newcomer, however ordinary, deserves worship by a wise man who wishes to educate himself in the path of righteousness. Needless to say that distinguished guest like you deserves all reverence.

Characters & Entities

• Maināka
• Hanumān
• Dharma

FAQs

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

Atithi-dharma: honouring guests is a marker of righteousness, especially for one sincerely seeking dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Maināka justifies his offering of hospitality to Hanumān as a dharmic duty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Maināka’s commitment to righteousness through respectful, principled hospitality.