Shloka 14
Means to Liberation: Supremacy of Hari, Proper Salutations, and Purāṇic Authority
पप्रच्छुस्ते सुखासीनं नैमिषारण्यवासिनः / ऋषय ऊचुः / वयं त्वतिथयः प्राप्तास्त्वातिथेयोसि सुव्रत
papracchuste sukhāsīnaṃ naimiṣāraṇyavāsinaḥ / ṛṣaya ūcuḥ / vayaṃ tvatithayaḥ prāptāstvātitheyosi suvrata
नैमिषारण्यवासिनो मुनयः सुखासीनं त्वां पप्रच्छुः। ऋषय ऊचुः—वयं तवातिथयः प्राप्ताः; हे सुव्रत, त्वं तु आतिथेयोऽसि, अस्मान् यथाविधि प्रतिगृहाण।
The sages of Naimisharanya (Rishis)
Concept: Ātithi-satkāra (guest-reception) and humility as the proper gateway to receiving sacred teaching.
Vedantic Theme: Adhikāritva—purity of approach and reverence toward the teacher/knower as a prerequisite for higher knowledge.
Application: Practice hospitality, respectful speech, and attentive listening when seeking counsel; treat teachers/guests with honor before asking questions.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: forest-āraṇya/āśrama-sattra region
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.1.15–18 (continuation: worship inquiry, mokṣa means, maṅgalācaraṇa, Nārāyaṇa-stuti)
FAQs
This verse frames the teaching context through dharma: the sages identify themselves as guests and remind the addressed teacher/host that receiving guests respectfully is a sacred duty that supports the proper transmission of Purāṇic wisdom.
Before topics like karma, preta-rites, and the soul’s journey are taught, the Purāṇa establishes a formal dialogue setting—sages in a sacred forest requesting instruction—signaling that the forthcoming teachings are to be heard in a disciplined, dharmic atmosphere.
Practice atithi-sevā: welcome guests with respect, offer basic care, and engage in sincere inquiry and listening—creating the right ethical environment for learning and spiritual discussion.