Shloka 36
Vasiṣṭhāpavāha: Sarasvatī’s Diversion and Viśvāmitra’s Curse (वसिष्ठापवाहः)
यो यत्र स्थित एवेह आहूतो यज्ञसंस्तरे
yo yatra sthita eveha āhūto yajñasaṃstare | rājake yajñamaṇḍape bulākara āyaḥ yo brāhmaṇaḥ yatra kvacid tiṣṭhati, tatraiva tasya saritāṃ śreṣṭhā sarasvatī pṛthak-pṛthag gṛha-śayyā-āsana-ṣaḍrasa-bhojana-nānāvidha-dāna-vyavasthāṃ cakāra |
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは語った。「その祭場において、王のヤジュニャに招かれて来たブラーフマナが、どこに座して憩おうとも、河川の第一たるサラスヴァティーは、その場で各人ごとに、住まい・寝台・座席・六味具わる食、そして種々の施与を整えたのである。」
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma through atithi-satkāra (honoring invited guests) and dāna (generosity): those who come for sacred rites—especially learned Brahmins—should be provided individualized lodging, comfort, nourishing food, and appropriate gifts.
During a royal sacrifice, invited Brahmins arrive and settle wherever they find space. The sacred river Sarasvatī is described as ensuring that each one, wherever he stays, receives separate arrangements—house, bed, seat, rich food, and various donations—so the yajña proceeds with proper hospitality.