Atithi-prāpti and the Brāhmaṇa’s Deliberation on Triadic Dharma (अतिथिप्राप्तिः धर्मत्रयविचारश्च)
ततो<श्वशिरसं दृष्टवा तं देवममितौजसम् | लोककर्ता प्रभुर्ब्रद्या लोकानां हितकाम्यया
tato ’śvaśirasaṃ dṛṣṭvā taṃ devam amitaujasam | lokakartā prabhur brahmā lokānāṃ hitakāmyayā ||
Pagkaraan, nang masilayan niya ang makapangyarihang diyos na may ulong kabayo, si Brahmā—ang naghaharing Lumikha ng mga daigdig—ay yumuko sa paggalang, udyok ng hangaring itaguyod ang kapakanan ng lahat ng nilalang. Nakatayo sa harap ng diyos na nagbibigay-kaloob, na magkadikit ang mga palad, naghandog siya ng pagpupugay; at ang Panginoon, sa mapagmahal na pagyakap, ay nagsalita sa kanya nang palihim.
व्यास उवाच
Even the highest authority (Brahmā, the world-creator) models humility and devotion before a greater divine power, motivated not by self-interest but by lokānāṃ hita—concern for the welfare of all. Ethical leadership is shown as reverence, restraint, and acting for universal good.
Brahmā beholds the immensely powerful horse-headed deity (Hayagrīva), bows in reverence, and stands with folded hands. The Lord then receives him warmly and begins to communicate something confidentially, setting up the ensuing instruction or boon.