Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 54
विप्रैरुत्थाय संपृष्टः कस्त्वं विप्र क्व चागतः । किं वा प्रार्थयसे ब्रूहि यत्ते मनसि रोचते
viprairutthāya saṃpṛṣṭaḥ kastvaṃ vipra kva cāgataḥ | kiṃ vā prārthayase brūhi yatte manasi rocate
เหล่าพราหมณ์ลุกขึ้นแล้วถามเขาว่า: “ท่านพราหมณ์ ท่านเป็นผู้ใด และมาจากแห่งหนใด? จงบอกเถิด—ท่านปรารถนาสิ่งใด สิ่งใดที่ใจท่านพอใจ”
Nārada (narrating); dialogue spoken by the Vipras
Listener: Pārtha
Scene: A group of brāhmaṇas rise from their seats, hands in añjali or holding staffs, addressing an arriving brāhmaṇa/guest with composed faces; the scene feels like a formal reception before instruction or offering.
FAQs
Dharma begins with respectful inquiry—honoring a guest includes asking identity, origin, and need with courtesy.
The sacred gathering at the tīrtha/saṅgama, where hospitality norms are carefully observed.
Atithya-dharma in practice: rising to greet and formally asking the guest’s purpose and request.