Mahabharata — Shanti Parva, Shloka 15
तस्याभिगमनप्राप्ती हस्तौ दत्तौ विवस्वता । तेनापि दक्षिणो हस्तो दत्त: प्रत्यर्चितार्थिना
tasyābhigamanaprāptī hastau dattau vivasvatā | tenāpi dakṣiṇo hasto dattaḥ pratyarcitārthinā ||
Lorsqu’il s’approcha, Vivasvat (le dieu Soleil) tendit ses deux mains pour l’accueillir. L’autre, voulant rendre cet honneur, offrit à son tour sa main droite en salut respectueux.
नाग उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic decorum: honor shown by a host should be met with respectful reciprocity by the guest. Mutual courtesy is presented as an ethical norm that sustains harmonious relations.
When the visitor approaches, Vivasvat welcomes him by extending both hands. The visitor responds by extending his right hand, signaling respectful acceptance and returning the honor.