Shloka 20
शकुनेः पुत्रेण सह आश्वमेधाश्वविषयः संघर्षः — Arjuna’s restrained engagement with Śakuni’s son during the horse-escort
तेषामभ्यागतानां च स राजा कुरुवर्थन: । व्यादिदेशान्नपानानि शप्याश्नाप्पतिमानुषा:
teṣām abhyāgatānāṁ ca sa rājā kuruvardhanaḥ | vyādideśānna-pānāni śayyāś cāpy atimānuṣāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana dit : Lorsque ces hôtes arrivèrent, le roi Yudhiṣṭhira—artisan de la prospérité de la lignée des Kuru—ordonna qu’on leur servît nourriture et boisson, et qu’on préparât pour eux des lits et des commodités extraordinaires, au-delà de ce qu’offre le monde des hommes.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores atithi-dharma (the duty of hospitality): a righteous king honors arriving guests with generous provisions and respectful comfort, reflecting ethical governance and compassion.
As new guests arrive, Yudhiṣṭhira orders immediate arrangements—food, drink, and exceptional resting accommodations—demonstrating royal responsibility and courteous reception.