Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 12
ब्राह्मण–क्षत्रिय-श्रेष्ठता-विवादः
Arjuna–Vāyu Dialogue on Brāhmaṇa and Kṣatriya Precedence
गजेन्द्रकुसुमाकीर्ण नीलवस्त्रानुलेपनम् । निर्वपेत् तं तु वल्मीके अस्तं याते दिवाकरे
gajendrakusumākīrṇaṃ nīlavāstrānulepanam | nirvapet taṃ tu valmīke astaṃ yāte divākare ||
नागकेसर (गजेन्द्रकुसुम) के पुष्पों से उसे आच्छादित करे, चन्दन का लेप करे और नीले वस्त्र से ढके; फिर सूर्यास्त होने पर उस बलि को बाँबी पर रखे।
रेणुक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores disciplined ritual propriety: an offering should be prepared with prescribed auspicious items (flowers, unguents, cloth) and presented at the proper time (sunset). Ethical emphasis lies in orderly, non-harmful observance and reverence toward the sacred context associated with the anthill.
Reṇukā gives step-by-step instructions for making a bali (ritual offering) at a valmīka (anthill): decorate it with nāgakesara blossoms, apply fragrant anointing (such as sandal), cover it with a blue cloth, and place it by the anthill after sunset.