Shloka 396
Indratīrtha–Ādityatīrtha: Balarāma’s Ritual Bathing, Dāna, and Sacred-Historical Recollections
क्षीणो5न्नसंचयो विप्र बदराणीह भक्षय । “तब परम सुन्दरी अरुन्धतीने उन ब्राह्मण देवतासे कहा--'विप्रवर! अन्नका संग्रह तो समाप्त हो गया। अब यहाँ ये बेर हैं, इन्हींको खाइये”
kṣīṇo 'nna-saṃcayo vipra badarāṇīha bhakṣaya |
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Arundhatī, the supremely virtuous lady, addressed the Brahmin guest: “O venerable Brahmin, our stored provisions have been exhausted. Here there are jujube fruits—please partake of these.” The moment underscores the dharma of hospitality: even in scarcity, one offers what is available with respect and sincerity.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights atithi-dharma (duty to honor a guest): when resources are depleted, one should still offer whatever is available, maintaining respect and goodwill rather than withholding out of fear of scarcity.
A Brahmin guest is to be fed, but the household’s stored food has run out. The speaker (as framed by Vaiśaṃpāyana) has the host offer simple wild fruit (badara) instead, showing practical compassion and steadfast hospitality.