Shloka 69
Chapter 2: Sudarśana Upākhyāna — Atithi-Dharma and the Conquest of Mṛtyu
Gṛhastha-Vrata
सुरतं ते<स्तु विप्राग्रय प्रीतिर्हि परमा मम । गृहस्थस्य हि धर्मो5ग्रय: सम्प्राप्तातिथिपूजनम्
surataṁ te 'stu viprāgrya prītir hi paramā mama | gṛhasthasya hi dharmo 'gryaḥ samprāptātithi-pūjanam ||
Sinabi ni Bhīṣma: “O pinakadakila sa mga Brahmin, nawa’y matupad ang iyong ninanais; iyan ang pinakamataas kong kagalakan. Sapagkat ang pinakadakilang dharma ng isang maybahay (grihastha) ay ang paggalang at pag-aalay ng parangal sa panauhing dumating sa kanyang tahanan.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse elevates atithi-pūjana—respectful reception and honoring of a guest—as the foremost dharma of a householder, presenting hospitality as a central ethical obligation.
Bhishma addresses a Brahmin respectfully, grants or affirms the fulfillment of his request, and explains that doing so pleases him because honoring an arrived guest is the highest duty for one living the householder stage of life.