Kardama Muni’s Penance, Viṣṇu’s Darśana, and the Arrangement of Devahūti’s Marriage
अथोटजमुपायातं नृदेवं प्रणतं पुर: । सपर्यया पर्यगृह्णात्प्रतिनन्द्यानुरूपया ॥ ४८ ॥
athoṭajam upāyātaṁ nṛdevaṁ praṇataṁ puraḥ saparyayā paryagṛhṇāt pratinandyānurūpayā
Voyant le monarque venir à son ermitage et se prosterner devant lui, le sage le salua d’une bénédiction et le reçut avec les honneurs convenables.
Emperor Svāyambhuva Manu not only approached the cottage of dried leaves possessed by the hermit Kardama but also offered respectful obeisances unto him. Similarly, it was the duty of the hermit to offer blessings to kings who used to approach his hermitage in the jungle.
This verse shows the dharmic standard: a worthy guest—here Manu—should be received with respectful greetings and appropriate worship (saparyā), reflecting humility and devotion.
Manu is described as nṛ-deva, a godly ruler; when he bowed before the sage, Kardama reciprocated by welcoming him according to proper etiquette, honoring both Manu’s role and his humility.
Practice respectful reception—greet sincerely, offer what you can (time, attention, simple service), and honor spiritual and virtuous people with appropriate conduct rather than pride or neglect.