Shloka 8
Aṣṭāvakra and the Woman: Disclosure, Permission, and Marital Resolution (अनुशासन पर्व, अध्याय २२)
अथोपास्य सहस्रांशुं कि करोमीत्युवाच ताम् । सा चामृतरसप्रख्यं ऋषेरन्नमुपाहरत्
athopāsya sahasrāṁśuṁ ki karomīty uvāca tām | sā cāmṛtarasaprakhyaṁ ṛṣer annam upāharat ||
Bhīṣma dit : Après avoir adoré le Soleil aux mille rayons, il lui dit : « Que dois-je faire à présent ? » Alors cette femme apporta devant le sage une nourriture douce et exquise, pareille au nectar—signe d’un service respectueux et de l’honneur dû à l’hôte saint après l’accomplissement des rites quotidiens.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic order: after completing sacred daily observances (especially worship of the Sun), one should act with humility and seek proper guidance, and then honor holy persons through respectful service and nourishing offerings—hospitality as an ethical duty.
After performing worship of the Sun, the man asks the woman what he should do next. She responds by bringing and presenting to the sage a meal described as nectar-like, indicating attentive care and the proper reception/serving of a revered ṛṣi.