Shloka 1.12.1

द्वादशः सर्गः — Aśvamedha-saṅkalpa (Daśaratha resolves on the Horse Sacrifice)

Devanagari script

तत: काले बहुतिथे कस्मिंश्चित्सुमनोहरे।वसन्ते समनुप्राप्ते राज्ञो यष्टुं मनोऽभवत्।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ kāle bahutithe kasmiṃścit sumanohare, vasante samanuprāpte rājño yaṣṭuṃ mano ’bhavat.

Translation

Then, after a long interval, at a certain most delightful time, when spring had arrived, the king’s mind turned toward performing the sacrifice.

Context

After a long time, at the advent of charming spring a desire arose in the mind of the king (Dasaratha) to perform the sacrifice.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• vasanta (spring season)
• yajña (sacrifice)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma includes acting at an appropriate time (kāla): the narrative marks auspicious timing and deliberate intention rather than rash action.

What is the narrative situation?

The story transitions to the period when Daśaratha’s resolve to conduct the sacrifice becomes active, aligned with the arrival of spring.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Purposeful resolve—Daśaratha’s sustained commitment to a dharmic solution for his problem.