Purukutsa’s Rasātala Victory; Triśaṅku and Hariścandra; Rohita and Śunaḥśepha
निर्दशे च स आगत्य यजस्वेत्याह सोऽब्रवीत् । दन्ता: पशोर्यज्जायेरन्नथ मेध्यो भवेदिति ॥ ११ ॥
nirdaśe ca sa āgatya yajasvety āha so ’bravīt dantāḥ paśor yaj jāyerann atha medhyo bhaved iti
After ten days, Varuṇa came again and said, “Perform the sacrifice now.” Hariścandra replied, “When the animal’s teeth have grown, then it becomes pure enough to be offered.”
This verse uses the sign of teeth appearing in the animal as a criterion for becoming medhya—ritually fit—showing that Vedic acts follow specific dharmic standards rather than whim.
He presents a scriptural-sounding condition—teeth appearing—so that the offering is considered properly qualified, reflecting how ritual procedures were justified through dharma and eligibility.
Before undertaking any spiritual practice or important duty, ensure proper readiness and qualification—do it at the right time, in the right way, with integrity.