Shloka 20

शकुनेः पुत्रेण सह आश्वमेधाश्वविषयः संघर्षः — Arjuna’s restrained engagement with Śakuni’s son during the horse-escort

Devanagari script

तेषामभ्यागतानां च स राजा कुरुवर्थन: । व्यादिदेशान्नपानानि शप्याश्नाप्पतिमानुषा:,कुरुकुलकी वृद्धि करनेवाले राजा युधिष्ठिरने इन नवागत अतिथियोंका सत्कार करनेके लिये अन्न-पान और अलौकिक शगय्याओंका प्रबन्ध किया

Transliteration

teṣām abhyāgatānāṁ ca sa rājā kuruvardhanaḥ | vyādideśānna-pānāni śayyāś cāpy atimānuṣāḥ ||

Translation

Vaiśampāyana said: When those guests arrived, King Yudhiṣṭhira—who fostered the prosperity of the Kuru line—ordered that food and drink be served, and that extraordinary, more-than-human beds and comforts be arranged for them. The scene highlights the king’s dharmic duty of hospitality: honoring newcomers with generous care and dignified reception.

Word by Word

तेषाम्of those

अभ्यागतानाम्of the arrived (guests)

चand

सःhe

राजाking

कुरुवर्धनःincreaser of the Kurus (Kuru-line)

व्यादिदेशordered / directed

अन्नपानानिfoods and drinks

शय्याःbeds / couches

आश्नापयत्caused (them) to eat / fed

पतिमानुषाःmen with their lords/masters (i.e., accompanied by their chiefs)

Speaker

वैशम्पायन उवाच

Characters & Entities

Vaiśampāyana

Yudhiṣṭhira

Kuru dynasty

guests (abhyāgata)

Character Dynamics

Dharma Sankata (Moral Dilemma)

War Context

Verse Rasa (Emotional Essence)

Philosophical Teaching

Political Layer

Geographic Context

Cross References

Meter (Chandas)

Sandhi Notes

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

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.

What is happening in the narrative?

As new guests arrive, Yudhiṣṭhira orders immediate arrangements—food, drink, and exceptional resting accommodations—demonstrating royal responsibility and courteous reception.