Rantideva’s Supreme Charity and the Hastī Lineage
Hastināpura and Pañcāla Origins
गुरुश्च रन्तिदेवश्च सङ्कृते: पाण्डुनन्दन । रन्तिदेवस्य महिमा इहामुत्र च गीयते ॥ २ ॥
guruś ca rantidevaś ca saṅkṛteḥ pāṇḍu-nandana rantidevasya mahimā ihāmutra ca gīyate
ಓ ಪಾಂಡುನಂದನ ಪರಿಕ್ಷಿತನೇ! ಸಂಕೃತಿಗೆ ಗುರು ಮತ್ತು ರಂತಿದೇವ ಎಂಬ ಇಬ್ಬರು ಪುತ್ರರು. ರಂತಿದೇವನ ಮಹಿಮೆ ಇಹಲೋಕದಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಪರಲೋಕದಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಹಾಡಲ್ಪಡುತ್ತದೆ; ಮಾನವರಲ್ಲಷ್ಟೇ ಅಲ್ಲ, ದೇವತೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಅವನ ಕೀರ್ತಿ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧವಾಗಿದೆ.
This verse introduces Rantideva as a celebrated figure whose glory is praised both materially and spiritually, indicating his exceptional virtue and piety.
Śukadeva speaks to King Parīkṣit, a descendant of the Pāṇḍavas; the address emphasizes Parīkṣit’s noble lineage while presenting the dynasty narrative.
Live with integrity and compassion—virtue brings tangible respect and inner spiritual benefit, creating lasting good beyond temporary achievements.