Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 15
अध्याय ५६ — च्यवन–कुशिकसंवादः
Cyavana–Kuśika Dialogue on Lineage, Conflict, and Transmission
संहृष्टवदनो राजा सभार्य: कुशिको मुनिम् । सिद्धमन्नमिति प्रह्लो निर्विकारो न्न्यवेदयत्
saṁhṛṣṭa-vadano rājā sa-bhāryaḥ kuśiko munim | siddham annam iti prahvo nirvikāro ’bhyavedayat ||
Bhīṣma dit : À sa vue, le roi Kuśika, accompagné de son épouse, eut le visage rayonnant de joie. Avec un calme parfait, il s’approcha du sage et lui dit avec humble courtoisie : « Le repas est prêt. »
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights atithi-dharma (duty of hospitality) and inner discipline: even when pleased, one should remain composed (nirvikāra), humble (prahva), and fulfill one’s obligation to a guest—especially a sage—through respectful service.
King Kuśika, accompanied by his wife, joyfully approaches a visiting sage and politely announces that the meal has been prepared, signaling readiness to serve the guest according to proper conduct.