Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 21
वसिष्ठ-आतिथ्यं
Vasiṣṭha’s Hospitality to Viśvāmitra and the Summoning of Śabalā/Kāmadhenu
एह्येहि शबले क्षिप्रं श्रृणु चापि वचो मम।सबलस्यास्य राजर्षे:कर्तुं व्यवसितोऽस्म्यहम्।।।।भोजनेन महार्हेण सत्कारं संविधत्स्व मे।
ehy ehi śabale kṣipraṃ śṛṇu cāpi vaco mama |
sabalasyāsya rājarṣeḥ kartuṃ vyavasito ’smy aham ||
bhojanena mahārheṇa satkāraṃ saṃvidhatsva me ||
“Hãy đến, hãy đến mau, hỡi Śabalā, và lắng nghe lời ta. Ta đã quyết định thiết lễ tôn kính vị vương hiền này—cùng toàn quân của ngài—bằng bữa ẩm thực xứng đáng. Hãy thay ta sắp đặt mọi việc.”
Foremost among kings, the brilliant Viswamitra, having received hospitality from Vasishta, enquired about his welbeing his austerities, his fire-sacrifices, his disciples and trees (in his hermitage). Vasishta, too, informed him of the welfare of all.
FAQs
Atithi-satkāra: honoring a guest appropriately (mahārha) and completely (including attendants), reflecting dharma as comprehensive responsibility.
Vasiṣṭha commands Śabalā to prepare a worthy feast for Viśvāmitra and his entire following.
Generosity guided by propriety—Vasiṣṭha’s resolve to meet the guest’s needs without limitation.