Shloka 37
Vasiṣṭhāpavāha: Sarasvatī’s Diversion and Viśvāmitra’s Curse (वसिष्ठापवाहः)
तस्य तस्य सरिच्छेष्ठा गुहादिशयनादिकम् । षड़सं भोजन चैव दानं नानाविधं तथा
tasya tasya saricchreṣṭhā guhādiśayanādikam | ṣaḍrasaṃ bhojanaṃ caiva dānaṃ nānāvidhaṃ tathā ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Dondequiera que cada brāhmaṇa invitado se quedara—ya fuese en un refugio semejante a una cueva o en cualquier otro alojamiento—el río Sarasvatī, el más excelso entre los ríos, dispuso para él por separado una morada, lecho y asiento, junto con alimento de los seis sabores y dones de muchas clases.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma through atithi-satkāra (honoring guests) and dāna (generosity): the worthy—especially brāhmaṇas invited for ritual—should be supported with respectful lodging, nourishing food, and appropriate gifts, offered thoughtfully and individually.
In the setting of a royal sacrificial gathering, brāhmaṇas arrive and settle wherever they find space. Sarasvatī, praised as the foremost river and treated as an active benefactor, provides each guest with separate arrangements—shelter, bed, seat, six-flavored meals, and varied donations.