Shloka 1.12.20

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

Devanagari script

ततो द्विजास्ते धर्मज्ञमस्तुवन्पार्थिवर्षभम्।अनुज्ञातास्ततस्सर्वे पुनर्जग्मुर्यथागतम्।।।।

Transliteration

tato dvijāste dharmajñam astuvan pārthivarṣabham | anujñātās tataḥ sarve punar jagmur yathāgatam ||

Translation

Thereupon those brahmins praised the bull among kings, the knower of dharma; and, having received his permission, they all returned the way they had come.

Context

Admiring the great king, the knower of righteousness, the brahmins permitted by him returned to their places as they had some.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• brahmins (dvijāḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma is mutual respect between ruler and spiritual community: praise and permission-taking reflect orderly, truthful social conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

After the arrangements and decisions, the brahmins commend Daśaratha and depart with his leave.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dharma-jñāna and courtesy: the king is recognized as righteous, and the brahmins follow proper decorum in departing.