Shloka 9
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 146 — Brāhmaṇī’s counsel on grief, duty, and protection of children
तेभ्यो भक्ष्याणि पानानि शयनानि शुभानि च | आसनानि च मुख्यानि प्रददौ स पुरोचन:,वहाँ पुरोचनने उनके लिये खाने-पीनेकी उत्तम वस्तुएँ, सुन्दर शय्याएँ और श्रेष्ठ आसन प्रस्तुत किये
tebhyo bhakṣyāṇi pānāni śayanāni śubhāni ca | āsanāni ca mukhyāni pradadau sa purocanaḥ ||
ณ ที่นั้น ปุโรจนะได้จัดถวายแก่พวกเขาอาหารและเครื่องดื่มอันประณีต ทั้งที่บรรทมอันงามและที่นั่งอันประเสริฐ.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how ethical evaluation depends on intention as well as action: hospitality and generosity, when used as a cover for harm, become instruments of adharma. It cautions against judging virtue solely by outward forms.
Purocana, acting as host, provides excellent food, drink, beds, and seats to the guests. In the surrounding episode, this courteous reception is part of a larger plot, making the hospitality a strategic façade.