Shloka 4
Aśvamedha-dīkṣā, Vyāsa’s horse-release, and Arjuna’s departure with Gāṇḍīva (आश्वमेधिक-दीक्षा तथा हय-उत्सर्गः)
चैत्रयां हि पौर्णमास्यां तु तव दीक्षा भविष्यति । सम्भारा: सम्ध्रियन्तां च यज्ञार्थ पुरुषर्षभ,पुरुषप्रवर! आगामी चैत्रकी पूर्णिमाको तुम्हें यज्ञकी दीक्षा दी जायगी, तबतक तुम उसके लिये सामग्री संचित करो
caitryāṃ hi paurṇamāsyāṃ tu tava dīkṣā bhaviṣyati | sambhārāḥ saṃdhriyantāṃ ca yajñārthaṃ puruṣarṣabha, puruṣapravara ||
Vyāsa said: “On the full-moon day of the month of Caitra, your consecration for the sacrifice will take place. Therefore, O bull among men, O foremost of persons, let the requisite materials be gathered and kept ready for the rite.”
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is upheld not only by intent but by disciplined preparation and proper timing: a sacred undertaking like a yajña requires consecration (dīkṣā) and the careful gathering of requisites, reflecting responsibility and order in religious and royal duties.
Vyāsa informs the addressed king/hero that the formal consecration for the forthcoming sacrifice will occur on the full-moon day in Caitra, and instructs him to have all sacrificial materials assembled in advance.