Mahabharata 4.7.16 — Virata Parva, Adhyaya 7, Shloka 16
Ballava (Bhīma) Seeks Employment as Royal Cook in Virāṭa’s Court
समानयानो भवितासि मे सखा प्रभूतवस्त्रो बहुपानभोजन: । पश्येस्त्वमन्तश्न बहिश्न सर्वदा कृतं च ते द्वारमपावृतं मया
samānayāno bhavitāsi me sakhā prabhūtavastraḥ bahupānabhojanaḥ | paśyestvam antaḥśna bahiḥśna sarvadā kṛtaṃ ca te dvāram apāvṛtaṃ mayā ||
Sinabi ni Virāṭa: “Mula ngayon, ikaw ay magiging kaibigan at kasama ko, sasakay gaya ng aking pagsakay. Magkakaroon ka ng saganang kasuotan at sapat na pagkain at inumin. Ikaw ang magbabantay sa mga gawain sa loob at sa labas sa lahat ng oras. At sa aking utos, ang pintuan ng palasyo para sa iyo ay laging bukás—walang anumang ikukubli sa iyo.”
विराट उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s dharma includes honoring worthy guests and servants with security, provision, and trust. Virāṭa’s promise of equal conveyance, ample supplies, and open access models royal hospitality and confidence in a trusted advisor.
King Virāṭa accepts “Kanka” (Yudhiṣṭhira in disguise) into his service and friendship, granting him status, resources, oversight of internal and external matters, and unrestricted entry to the palace—signaling full royal favor during the Pāṇḍavas’ incognito year.
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