विनियोगः कृतस्तेन सर्वदा सर्वकर्मसु
By him, arrangements were always made for all activities.
प्रासादं कारयामास पंचायतनकं हरेः
He caused a temple to be built, dedicated to Hari with five shrines.
प्रावर्त्तनं च कूपेषु येन सिंचेत्प्रवाटिकाम् 170.
He also started the practice of drawing water from wells to irrigate gardens.
स्नानं पूजादिकं तद्वन्मार्जनं दीपकर्म च
Bathing, worship, and similar acts, as well as cleaning and the lighting of lamps, were performed in the same way.
पतिव्रता महाभागाश्चतुरो भगिनीर्यथा
His four sisters were devoted to their husbands and greatly fortunate.
मालाकारस्तथा नित्यं विटपांश्च प्रसिंचति
And the garland-maker always sprinkled the trees.
जाताः सुपुष्पवन्तश्च द्रुमाः फलसमन्विताः
The trees grew, bearing abundant flowers and fruits.
दीयते भुज्यते सर्वैर्यथा शक्रस्तथा सदा
Everything was given and enjoyed by all, just as by Indra, always.
धनस्य संक्षयो जातः प्रत्यहं ददतः सतः
The wealth of the one who constantly gave was diminished day by day.
मातापित्रोः कुटुम्बस्य भरणीयस्य भोजनम्
He had to provide food for his parents and family.
इति निश्चित्य मनसा वणिग्भावं हृदि स्थिरम्
Thus, having resolved in his mind, he firmly set his heart on becoming a merchant.
तत्र क्रीत्वा सुपण्यानि उत्तरापथगानि च
There, he bought excellent goods, including those from the northern regions.
क्रीत्वा क्रेयानि वस्तूनि लाभालाभं विचार्य च 170.
He purchased items to be sold, considering profit and loss.
मणिरत्नं ह्यश्वरत्नं पट्टरत्नं समर्थकम्
He acquired precious gems, fine horses, costly cloth, and suitable wares.
एकदा सार्थसम्भारो विश्रान्तुमुपचक्रमे
Once, the caravan prepared to rest.
नद्यास्तीरे सुप्रदेशे आवासांश्च प्रचक्रिरे
On the bank of a river, in a beautiful place, they set up their dwellings.
समादिश्येतिकृत्यं च भृत्यैः कतिपयैर्वृतः
He would instruct what was to be done, surrounded by a few servants.
क्रीडार्थं विहरंस्तत्र सोऽपश्यत् स्थानमुत्तमम्
While wandering there for amusement, he saw an excellent place.
फलवन्तश्च वृक्षाश्च पुष्पाणि सुरभीणि च
There were fruit-bearing trees and fragrant flowers.
तत्रारुह्य दरीद्वारं यावद्दृष्टिर्निपात्यते
Climbing there, he gazed as far as his sight could reach toward the cave entrance.
श्रुत्वापि शब्दप्रभवं किमेतदिति निश्चयम्
Even after hearing the origin of the sound, he wondered, 'What is this?' with certainty.
तेनोक्तं भो इहागच्छ आतिथ्यं करवाणि ते
He said, 'Come here, O guest; I will offer you hospitality.'
फलानीमानि स्वादूनि मधुमांसोदकानि च 170.
Here are these sweet fruits, honey, meat, and water.
आगत्य पितरौ मह्यं विशेषं तौ करिष्यतः
When my parents arrive, they will give you special honor.
गृहस्थस्तस्य पितरो वसन्ति नरके ध्रुवम्
The householder whose parents reside in hell, surely—
अतिथिर्यस्य भग्नाशो गृहात्प्रव्रजते यदि
If a guest, whose hopes are broken, leaves the house—
तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन पूज्यो वै गृहमेधिना
Therefore, by every effort, the householder must honor the guest.
एवंविधाः शुभा वाचो वैश्यो धर्मोपदेशकात्
Such auspicious words are spoken by the merchant, instructed in righteousness.
ऋषिः कस्त्वं पुराणज्ञः किं वा देवोऽथ गुह्यकः
Who are you, O sage, knower of ancient lore? Are you a god or a secret being?
कस्त्वं कथय मे सत्यमुत्साहश्चातिथिप्रियः
Who are you? Tell me the truth. You are enthusiastic and fond of guests.