Shloka 1.12.12

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

Devanagari script

सर्वथा प्राप्स्यसे पुत्रांश्चत्वारोऽमितविक्रमान्।यस्य ते धार्मिकी बुद्धिरियं पुत्रार्थमागता ।।।।

Transliteration

sarvathā prāpsyase putrāṃś catvāro ’mitavikramān, yasya te dhārmikī buddhir iyaṃ putrārtham āgatā.

Translation

“Surely you will obtain four sons of immeasurable prowess—because this righteous resolve, aimed at offspring, has arisen in you.”

Context

"Since this righteous thought for begetting children has entered your mind, you shall surely get four sons of immense prowess".

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• four sons (future: Rāma, Bharata, Lakṣmaṇa, Śatrughna)

FAQs

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

The verse links dharmic intention to auspicious outcome: when a desire is aligned with righteousness (dhārmikī buddhi), it becomes worthy of blessing.

What is the narrative situation?

The priests assure Daśaratha of success—he will receive four mighty sons as a result of his righteous resolve and the sacrificial undertaking.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s dhārmikī buddhi (righteous intention)—his longing for children is framed as a duty-bound, morally ordered aspiration.