Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 8
Śiva-darśana through Tapas and Stuti (उपमन्यु–कृष्ण संवादः)
प्रीतिं चाग्रयां बान्धवानां सकाशाद् ददामि ते<हं वपुष: काम्यतां च | भोक्ष्यन्ते वै सप्ततिं वै शतानि गृहे तुभ्यमतिथीनां च नित्यम्
prītiṁ cāgryāṁ bāndhavānāṁ sakāśād dadāmi te'haṁ vapuṣaḥ kāmyatāṁ ca | bhokṣyante vai saptatiṁ vai śatāni gṛhe tubhyam atithīnāṁ ca nityam |
“मैं तुम्हें बन्धु-बान्धवों से सर्वोच्च प्रीति प्रदान करती हूँ और तुम्हारे शरीर को सदा कमनीय व वाञ्छनीय बनाए रखती हूँ। तुम्हारे घर में नित्य अतिथि महान संख्या में—सैकड़ों में—भोजन करेंगे।”
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse elevates dharmic prosperity: harmony and affection among relatives, personal well-being, and the continual duty of hospitality—feeding guests regularly—as a hallmark of a righteous household.
A boon is being conferred: the recipient is promised foremost familial affection, enduring bodily charm, and a household where guests are fed daily in very large numbers, highlighting abundance expressed through generosity.