Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 54
विप्रैरुत्थाय संपृष्टः कस्त्वं विप्र क्व चागतः । किं वा प्रार्थयसे ब्रूहि यत्ते मनसि रोचते
viprairutthāya saṃpṛṣṭaḥ kastvaṃ vipra kva cāgataḥ | kiṃ vā prārthayase brūhi yatte manasi rocate
विप्र उठून त्याला विचारू लागले—“तू कोण आहेस, हे विप्र, आणि कुठून आला आहेस? सांग, तुला काय हवे आहे, जे तुझ्या मनास रुचते?”
Nārada (narrating); dialogue spoken by the Vipras
Listener: Pārtha
Scene: A group of brāhmaṇas rise from their seats, hands in añjali or holding staffs, addressing an arriving brāhmaṇa/guest with composed faces; the scene feels like a formal reception before instruction or offering.
FAQs
Dharma begins with respectful inquiry—honoring a guest includes asking identity, origin, and need with courtesy.
The sacred gathering at the tīrtha/saṅgama, where hospitality norms are carefully observed.
Atithya-dharma in practice: rising to greet and formally asking the guest’s purpose and request.