Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 15
अध्याय ५६ — च्यवन–कुशिकसंवादः
Cyavana–Kuśika Dialogue on Lineage, Conflict, and Transmission
संहृष्टवदनो राजा सभार्य: कुशिको मुनिम् । सिद्धमन्नमिति प्रह्लो निर्विकारो न्न्यवेदयत्
saṁhṛṣṭa-vadano rājā sa-bhāryaḥ kuśiko munim | siddham annam iti prahvo nirvikāro ’bhyavedayat ||
ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵੇਖਦੇ ਹੀ ਪਤਨੀ ਸਮੇਤ ਰਾਜਾ ਕੁਸ਼ਿਕ ਦਾ ਚਿਹਰਾ ਖੁਸ਼ੀ ਨਾਲ ਖਿੜ ਉਠਿਆ। ਉਹ ਸੰਯਮਿਤ ਮਨ ਨਾਲ ਮੁਨੀ ਕੋਲ ਗਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਨਿਮਰਤਾ ਨਾਲ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕੀਤੀ—“ਭੋਜਨ ਤਿਆਰ ਹੈ।”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights atithi-dharma (duty of hospitality) and inner discipline: even when pleased, one should remain composed (nirvikāra), humble (prahva), and fulfill one’s obligation to a guest—especially a sage—through respectful service.
King Kuśika, accompanied by his wife, joyfully approaches a visiting sage and politely announces that the meal has been prepared, signaling readiness to serve the guest according to proper conduct.