Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 64, Shloka 35
शब्दवेध्य-अनर्थः, ऋषिशापः, दशरथस्य प्राणत्यागः
The Sound-Target Tragedy, the Sage’s Curse, and Dasaratha’s Death
कन्दमूलफलं हृत्वा को मां प्रियमिवातिथिम्।भोजयिष्यत्यकर्मण्यमप्रग्रहमनायकम्।।।।
kandamūlaphalaṃ hṛtvā ko māṃ priyam ivātithim | bhojayiṣyaty akarmaṇyam apragraham anāyakam ||
कंदमुळे-फळे आणून, प्रिय अतिथीसारखे मला कोण जेवू घालेल—मी असहाय, काम करण्यास अक्षम, आवश्यक वस्तू मिळवू न शकणारी आणि आधारहीन आहे?
'I am incapable of doing any work, I am unable to procure anything (to meet my needs. now). I have no guide (to help me walk my way). Who will feed me like a welcome guest with tubers and fruits?
FAQs
Sevā as dharma: feeding and supporting dependents is a moral duty; the father’s helplessness underscores why harming a caregiver-son creates cascading suffering.
The father laments practical survival in the hermitage—food gathering and daily support—formerly provided by the son.
Hospitality and care expressed through provision of food—Śravaṇa’s service is likened to honoring a guest.