Shloka 26
Jarītā–Śārṅgā-saṃvāda: Ākhu-haraṇa and the Approach of Agni (आखुहरणं अग्न्यागमनश्च)
ऋत्विजो5नुनयामास भूयो भूयस्त्वतन्द्रित: । ते चास्य तमभिप्रायं न चक्कुरमितौजस:,उन महायशस्वी नरेशने अपने सुहृदोंको साथ लेकर इस कार्यके लिये बहुत बड़ा प्रयत्न किया। पैरोंपर पड़कर, सान्त्वनापूर्ण वचन कहकर और इच्छानुसार दान देकर बार-बार निरालस्यभावसे ऋत्विजोंको मनाया, उनसे यज्ञ करानेके लिये अनुनय-विनय की; परंतु उन्होंने अमिततेजस्वी नरेशके मनोरथको सफल नहीं किया
ṛtvijo 'nunayāmāsa bhūyo bhūyas tv atandritaḥ | te cāsya tam abhiprāyaṃ na cakkur amitaujasaḥ ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: The king, tireless in effort, repeatedly sought to win over the officiating priests. Again and again he pleaded with them—falling at their feet, speaking conciliatory words, and offering gifts as desired—urging them to conduct the sacrifice. Yet those priests did not bring to fulfillment the intention of that mighty, radiant ruler, and his resolve remained unaccomplished.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even royal power and lavish gifts cannot compel a sacred act if the officiants do not consent; ritual action is bound to propriety and the priests’ judgment, highlighting limits on coercion and the ethical autonomy of religious duty.
A powerful king repeatedly tries to persuade the sacrificial priests to conduct a yajña—using humility, soothing speech, and gifts—but the priests refuse or do not proceed, so the king’s intended sacrifice is not realized.