Shloka 1.12.16

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

Devanagari script

शक्य: प्राप्तुमयं यज्ञस्सर्वेणापि महीक्षिता। नापराधो भवेत्कष्टो यद्यस्मिन्क्रतुसत्तमे।।1.12.16।।

Transliteration

śakyaḥ prāptum ayaṃ yajñaḥ sarveṇāpi mahīkṣitā | nāparādho bhavet kaṣṭo yady asmin kratusattame ||1.12.16||

Translation

This sacrifice can indeed be successfully accomplished by the king with all his resources—provided that in this finest of rites no grave fault, omission, or obstruction arises.

Context

If in this best of sacrifices aswamedha, obstructions and omissions do not occur it will be possible for the king to get the results.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Aśvamedha (horse-sacrifice)

FAQs

What is the core teaching?

Even a powerful king can succeed in a great undertaking only when it is carried out without serious fault—highlighting the ethical-ritual principle that correctness, restraint, and freedom from ‘aparādha’ safeguard auspicious results.

What is happening in the narrative?

As plans for Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha are discussed, counsel is given that the sacrifice is achievable, but its success depends on preventing any major ritual lapse or obstruction in this supreme rite.