Shloka 22
Jatāyu’s Resistance, Sītā’s Traces, Kabandha’s Release, and the Path to Sugrīva (Āraṇyaka-parva 263)
भोजयित्वा द्विजान् सर्वान् पतींश्व वरवर्णिनी । विश्रान्ता च स्वयं भुक्त्वा सुखासीना भवेद् यदा
bhojayitvā dvijān sarvān patīṁś ca varavarṇinī | viśrāntā ca svayaṁ bhuktvā sukhāsīnā bhaved yadā ||
“அந்த அழகிய நிறமுடைய பெண் எல்லா இருபிறப்பாளர்களுக்கும் (பிராமணர்களுக்கும்) மற்றும் தன் கணவர்களுக்கும் உணவு அளித்து, தானும் உண்டு ஓய்வெடுத்து நிம்மதியாக அமர்ந்திருக்கும் போது—”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights gṛhastha-dharma: one should first honor and feed worthy guests—especially Brahmins—and attend to one’s family obligations; only after serving others should one eat and rest. Ethical priority is placed on hospitality, generosity, and self-discipline.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes a domestic sequence of proper conduct: the lady feeds the Brahmins and her husband(s), then eats herself, and finally rests comfortably—indicating that her ease comes after fulfilling duties of service and hospitality.