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
Wahai Mahārāja Parīkṣit, keturunan Pāṇḍu, Saṅkṛti mempunyai dua putera bernama Guru dan Rantideva. Keagungan Rantideva dinyanyikan di dunia ini dan di alam sana; beliau dipuji bukan sahaja dalam kalangan manusia, bahkan juga dalam kalangan para dewa.
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.