Shloka 119
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 3 — Janamejaya’s Rite, Dhaumya’s Parīkṣā, and Uttanka’s Kuṇḍala Quest (सर्पसत्रप्रस्तावना–गुरुपरीक्षा–उत्तङ्कोपाख्यान)
अथ तदन्नं मुक्तकेश्या स्त्रिया यत् कृतमनुष्णं सकेशं चाशुच्येतदिति मत्वा तमृषिमुत्तड़क॑ प्रसादयामास,वह भोजन खुले केशवाली स्त्रीने तैयार किया था। अतः उसमें केश पड़ गया था। देरका बना होनेसे वह ठण्डा भी हो गया था। इसलिये वह अपवित्र है, इस निश्चयपर पहुँचकर राजाने उत्तंक ऋषिको प्रसन्न करते हुए कहा--
atha tad annaṃ muktakeśyā striyā yat kṛtam anuṣṇaṃ sakeśaṃ cāśucy etad iti matvā tam ṛṣim uttaṅkaṃ prasādayāmāsa |
Então, considerando que a comida fora preparada por uma mulher de cabelos soltos, e que por isso um fio de cabelo nela caíra e, além disso, por ter sido feita há algum tempo, esfriara, o rei a julgou impura. Com tal conclusão, procurou apaziguar o sábio Uttaṅka e falou em tom conciliador—não por desrespeito, mas por zelo da pureza ritual e da devida correção.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights the ethical tension between honoring a revered guest (especially a sage) and maintaining standards of ritual cleanliness. It suggests that one should communicate refusals respectfully, grounding them in principled concerns rather than contempt, and seek reconciliation when a dharmic norm (such as purity in offerings) is at stake.
The king observes that the offered food seems contaminated (hair in it) and has become cold, and that it was prepared under conditions he deems improper (a woman with unbound hair). Concluding it is impure, he attempts to placate the sage Uttaṅka and explains his stance diplomatically.