Shloka 1.12.9

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

Devanagari script

तदहं यष्टुमिच्छामि शास्त्रदृष्टेन कर्मणा।ऋषिपुत्रप्रभावेन कामान्प्राप्स्यामि चाप्यहम्।।।।

Transliteration

tad ahaṃ yaṣṭum icchāmi śāstradṛṣṭena karmaṇā | ṛṣiputraprabhāvena kāmān prāpsyāmi cāpy aham ||

Translation

“So I wish to perform the sacrifice by the acts prescribed in the śāstras; and through the power and grace of the sage’s son, I too shall attain my desired end.”

Context

I wish to perform the yaga acording to scriptural procedures. And I will have my desire fulfilled by the grace of the sage (Rsyasringa)".

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Ṛśyaśṛṅga (ṛṣi-putra; implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is acting within śāstra: legitimate ends must be pursued through legitimate means, under the guidance of realized and qualified persons.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha states his intention to conduct the rite strictly according to scripture and expresses confidence in the efficacy associated with the sage’s son (Ṛśyaśṛṅga).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence for scriptural authority and reliance on sanctified guidance rather than mere royal power.