Sarga 13

Verse 1.13.1

पुन: प्राप्ते वसन्ते तु पूर्णस्संवत्सरोऽभवत्।प्रसवार्थं गतो यष्टुं हयमेधेन वीर्यवान्।।1.13.1।।

When spring returned again and a full year had passed, the valiant king proceeded to perform the Aśvamedha, the Horse-sacrifice, seeking offspring.

Verse 1.13.2

अभिवाद्य वसिष्ठं च न्यायत: परिपूज्य च।अब्रवीत्प्रश्रितं वाक्यं प्रसवार्थं द्विजोत्तमम्।।1.13.2।।

Bring Janaka, the heroic lord of Mithilā, whose valor is grounded in truth—firmly established in all śāstras and likewise well versed in the Vedas. Bring that distinguished man yourself, honoring him with due reverence; knowing him to be an ally through former ties, I tell you this beforehand.

Verse 1.13.3

यज्ञो मे क्रियतां ब्रह्मन्यथोक्तं मुनिपुङ्गव।यथा न विघ्न: क्रियते यज्ञाङ्गेषु विधीयताम्।।1.13.3।।

And all the officiating workers reported to the wise Vasiṣṭha everything that had been duly arranged for the yajña.

Verse 1.13.4

भवान् स्निग्धस्सुहृन्मह्यं गुरुश्च परमो महान्।ओढव्यो भवता चैव भारो यज्ञस्य चोद्यत:।।1.13.4।।

You are to me an affectionate well-wisher and friend, and a supremely venerable guru. Therefore, the responsibility of this yajña, now set in motion, should indeed be borne by you.

Verse 1.13.5

तथेति च स राजानमब्रवीद्द्विजसत्तमः।करिष्ये सर्वमेवैतद्भवता यत्समर्थितम्।।1.13.5।।

The foremost of brāhmaṇas replied to the king, “So be it. I will carry out in full whatever has been resolved by you.”

Verse 1.13.6

ततोऽब्रवीद्विजान्वृद्धान्यज्ञकर्मसु निष्ठितान्।स्थापत्ये निष्ठितांश्चैव वृद्धान्परमधार्मिकान्।।1.13.6।।कर्मान्तिकान् शिल्पकरान्वर्धकीन् खनकानपि।गणकान्शिल्पिनश्चैव तथैव नटनर्तकान्।।1.13.7।। तथा शुचीन्शास्त्रविद: पुरुषान् सुबहुश्रुतान्।यज्ञकर्म समीहन्तां भवन्तो राजशासनात्।।1.13.8।। इष्टका बहु साहस्राश्शीघ्रमानीयतामिति। 0उपकार्या: क्रियन्तां च राज्ञां बहुगुणान्विता:।।1.13.9।।

Then he addressed the venerable elder brāhmaṇas, steadfast in the duties of the yajña, and also the aged experts in architecture—men of the highest righteousness.

Verse 1.13.7

ततोऽब्रवीद्विजान्वृद्धान्यज्ञकर्मसु निष्ठितान्।स्थापत्ये निष्ठितांश्चैव वृद्धान्परमधार्मिकान्।।1.13.6।।कर्मान्तिकान् शिल्पकरान्वर्धकीन् खनकानपि।गणकान्शिल्पिनश्चैव तथैव नटनर्तकान्।।1.13.7।। तथा शुचीन्शास्त्रविद: पुरुषान् सुबहुश्रुतान्।यज्ञकर्म समीहन्तां भवन्तो राजशासनात्।।1.13.8।। इष्टका बहु साहस्राश्शीघ्रमानीयतामिति। 0उपकार्या: क्रियन्तां च राज्ञां बहुगुणान्विता:।।1.13.9।।

He also called in workers and craftsmen—brick-makers, carpenters, and diggers—as well as accountants, artisans, and likewise actors and dancers.

Verse 1.13.8

ततोऽब्रवीद्विजान्वृद्धान्यज्ञकर्मसु निष्ठितान्।स्थापत्ये निष्ठितांश्चैव वृद्धान्परमधार्मिकान्।।1.13.6।।कर्मान्तिकान् शिल्पकरान्वर्धकीन् खनकानपि।गणकान्शिल्पिनश्चैव तथैव नटनर्तकान्।।1.13.7।। तथा शुचीन्शास्त्रविद: पुरुषान् सुबहुश्रुतान्।यज्ञकर्म समीहन्तां भवन्तो राजशासनात्।।1.13.8।। इष्टका बहु साहस्राश्शीघ्रमानीयतामिति। 0उपकार्या: क्रियन्तां च राज्ञां बहुगुणान्विता:।।1.13.9।।

Likewise he summoned men of pure conduct, learned in the śāstras and widely educated, and said: “By the king’s command, let the work of the yajña be duly undertaken.”

Verse 1.13.9

ततोऽब्रवीद्विजान्वृद्धान्यज्ञकर्मसु निष्ठितान्।स्थापत्ये निष्ठितांश्चैव वृद्धान्परमधार्मिकान्।।1.13.6।।कर्मान्तिकान् शिल्पकरान्वर्धकीन् खनकानपि।गणकान्शिल्पिनश्चैव तथैव नटनर्तकान्।।1.13.7।। तथा शुचीन्शास्त्रविद: पुरुषान् सुबहुश्रुतान्।यज्ञकर्म समीहन्तां भवन्तो राजशासनात्।।1.13.8।। इष्टका बहु साहस्राश्शीघ्रमानीयतामिति। 0उपकार्या: क्रियन्तां च राज्ञां बहुगुणान्विता:।।1.13.9।।

“Let many thousands of bricks be brought at once; and let temporary dwellings—well furnished in every way for kings—be constructed.”

Verse 1.13.10

ब्राह्मणावसथाश्चैव कर्तव्याश्शतशश्शुभा:।भक्ष्यान्नपानैर्बहुभिस्समुपेतास्सुनिष्ठिता:।।1.13.10।।

Auspicious dwellings for the brahmins were to be prepared in the hundreds—well arranged and fully supplied with abundant foods and drinks.

Verse 1.13.11

तथा पौरजनस्यापि कर्तव्या बहुविस्तरा:।आवासा बहुभक्ष्या वै सर्वकामैरुपस्थिता:।।1.13.11।।

Likewise, for townspeople and visitors, spacious accommodations were to be made—provided with plentiful food and supplied with every comfort and enjoyment.

Verse 1.13.12

तथा जानपदस्यापि जनस्य बहुशोभनम्।दातव्यमन्नं विधिवत्सत्कृत्य न तु लीलया।।1.13.12।।

Likewise, to the people from the countryside one should give food that is truly befitting—offered according to proper custom and with respectful hospitality, not in a careless or playful manner.

Verse 1.13.13

सर्वे वर्णा यथा पूजां प्राप्नुवन्ति सुसत्कृता:।न चावज्ञा प्रयोक्तव्या कामक्रोधवशादपि।।1.13.13।।

Let people of every varṇa receive honor through good hospitality; and no one should be treated with contempt—even under the influence of desire or anger.

Verse 1.13.14

यज्ञकर्मसु ये व्यग्रा: पुरुषाश्शिल्पिनस्तथा।तेषामपि विशेषेण पूजा कार्या यथाक्रमम्।।1.13.14।।ते च स्युस्सम्भृतास्सर्वे वसुभिर्भोजनेन च।

Those men—especially the artisans—who are intensely engaged in the works of the sacrifice should be honored in a special way, each according to his role; and all of them should be kept content with payment and with food.

Verse 1.13.15

यथा सर्वं सुविहितं न किञ्चित्परिहीयते।।1.13.15।। तथा भवन्त: कुर्वन्तु प्रीतिस्निग्धेन चेतसा।

See that everything is well arranged and that nothing at all is left undone; carry out the work with hearts softened by affection and goodwill.

Verse 1.13.16

ततस्सर्वे समागम्य वसिष्ठमिदमब्रुवन्।।1.13.16।।यथोक्तं तत्सुविहितं न किञ्चित्परिहीयते।यथोक्तं तत्करिष्यामो न किञ्चित्परिहास्यते।।1.13.17।।

Then all of them assembled and said to Vasiṣṭha: “Just as you instructed, everything has been well arranged; nothing is lacking. Just as you instructed, so shall we do—nothing at all will be omitted.”

Verse 1.13.17

ततस्सर्वे समागम्य वसिष्ठमिदमब्रुवन्।।1.13.16।।यथोक्तं तत्सुविहितं न किञ्चित्परिहीयते।यथोक्तं तत्करिष्यामो न किञ्चित्परिहास्यते।।1.13.17।।

Then Vasiṣṭha summoned Sumantra and said: “Invite the kings upon the earth who are righteous and established in dharma.”

Verse 1.13.18

ततस्सुमन्त्रमानीय वसिष्ठो वाक्यमब्रवीत्।निमन्त्रयस्व नृपतीन्पृथिव्यां ये च धार्मिका:।।1.13.18।।

Gather, with due honor, thousands of people—brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, and śūdras—from every region.

Verse 1.13.19

ब्राह्मणान्क्षत्रियान्वैश्याञ्छूद्रांश्चैव सहस्रश:।समानयस्व सत्कृत्य सर्वदेशेषु मानवान्।।1.13.19।।

Having respectfully saluted Vasiṣṭha and duly honored that best of the twice-born according to proper rule, the king spoke submissively, seeking the means to obtain offspring.

Verse 1.13.20

मिथिलाधिपतिं शूरं जनकं सत्यविक्रमम्।निष्ठितं सर्वशास्त्रेषु तथा वेदेषु निष्ठितम्।।1.13.20।।तमानय महाभागं स्वयमेव सुसत्कृतम्।पूर्वसम्बन्धिनं ज्ञात्वा तत: पूर्वं ब्रवीमि ते।।1.13.21।।

Bring Janaka, the heroic lord of Mithilā—whose valor is grounded in truth—accomplished in all śāstras and likewise well-versed in the Vedas. Bring that distinguished king yourself, honoring him properly; knowing him to be an old ally, I tell you this beforehand.

Verse 1.13.21

मिथिलाधिपतिं शूरं जनकं सत्यविक्रमम्।निष्ठितं सर्वशास्त्रेषु तथा वेदेषु निष्ठितम्।।1.13.20।।तमानय महाभागं स्वयमेव सुसत्कृतम्।पूर्वसम्बन्धिनं ज्ञात्वा तत: पूर्वं ब्रवीमि ते।।1.13.21।।

Invite Janaka, the heroic lord of Mithilā, whose valor is grounded in truth—well established in all śāstras and likewise proficient in the Vedas.

Verse 1.13.22

तथा काशीपतिं स्निग्धं सततं प्रियवादिनम्।वयस्यं राजसिंहस्य स्वयमेवानयस्व ह।।1.13.22।।

Bring that distinguished king yourself, honoring him properly; knowing him to be an ally through ancient ties, I am telling you this beforehand.

Verse 1.13.23

तथा केकयराजानं वृद्धं परमधार्मिकम्।श्वशुरं राजसिंहस्य सपुत्रं त्वमिहानय।।1.13.23।।

Likewise, personally bring the king of Kāśī—ever affectionate and pleasant-spoken—who is a close friend of the lion among kings.

Verse 1.13.24

अङ्गेश्वरम् महाभागं रोमपादं सुसत्कृतम्।वयस्यं राजसिंहस्य समानय यशस्विनम्।।1.13.24।।

Also bring here the aged king of Kekaya, supremely righteous in dharma—the father-in-law of the lion among kings—together with his sons.

Verse 1.13.25

प्राचीनान्सिन्धु सौवीरान्सौराष्ट्रेयांश्च पार्थिवान्।दाक्षिणात्यान्नरेन्द्रांश्च समस्तानानयस्व ह।।1.13.25।।

Bring with due honor Romapāda, the illustrious lord of Aṅga—fortunate and renowned—who is a friend of the lion among kings.

Verse 1.13.26

सन्ति स्निग्धाश्च ये चान्ये राजान: पृथिवीतले।तानानय यथाक्षिप्रं सानुगान्सह बान्धवान्।।1.13.26।।

Invite all the rulers as well—kings of the eastern regions, of Sindhu and Sauvīra, the sovereigns of Saurāṣṭra, and the kings of the southern lands.

Verse 1.13.27

वसिष्ठवाक्यं तच्छ्रुत्वा सुमन्त्रस्त्वरितस्तदा।व्यादिशत्पुरुषांस्तत्र राज्ञामानयने शुभान्।।1.13.27।।

And whatever other kings there are on the earth who are friendly—bring them as quickly as possible, together with their followers and with their kinsmen.

Verse 1.13.28

स्वयमेव हि धर्मात्मा प्रययौ मुनिशासनात्।सुमन्त्रस्त्वरितो भूत्वा समानेतुं महीक्षित:।।1.13.28।।

Hearing Vasiṣṭha’s words, Sumantra at once hastened and dispatched virtuous, auspicious emissaries to bring the kings.

Verse 1.13.29

ते च कर्मान्तिकास्सर्वे वसिष्ठाय च धीमते।सर्वं निवेदयन्ति स्म यज्ञे यदुपकल्पितम्।।1.13.29।।

Indeed, the righteous Sumantra himself set out quickly, in accordance with the sage’s command, to escort the kings.

Verse 1.13.30

तत:प्रीतो द्विजश्रेष्ठस्तान् सर्वानिदमब्रवीत् ।अवज्ञया न दातव्यं कस्यचिल्लीलयाऽपि वा।।1.13.30।। अवज्ञया कृतं हन्याद्दातारं नात्र संशय:। 28

Then Vasiṣṭha, pleased, addressed them all: “Nothing should be given to anyone with contempt—nor even casually. A gift made in disrespect harms the giver; of this there is no doubt.”

Verse 1.13.31

तत: कैश्चिदहोरात्रैरुपयाता महीक्षित:।।1.13.31।।बहूनि रत्नान्यादाय राज्ञो दशरथस्य वै।

After that, within a few days and nights, many kings arrived, bringing numerous precious gifts for King Daśaratha.

Verse 1.13.32

ततो वसिष्ठस्सुप्रीतो राजानमिदमब्रवीत्।।1.13.32।।उपयाता नरव्याघ्र राजानस्तव शासनात्।मयापि सत्कृता: सर्वे यथार्हं राजसत्तमा:।।1.13.33।।

Then Vasiṣṭha, greatly pleased, said to the king: “O tiger among men, the kings have arrived in obedience to your command; and I too have honored all those excellent rulers, each according to his due rank.”

Verse 1.13.33

ततो वसिष्ठस्सुप्रीतो राजानमिदमब्रवीत्।।1.13.32।।उपयाता नरव्याघ्र राजानस्तव शासनात्।मयापि सत्कृता: सर्वे यथार्हं राजसत्तमा:।।1.13.33।।

“O King, the sacrificial arrangements have been completed by men of steady, composed minds. Now please proceed to the nearby sacrificial ground to perform the rite.”

Verse 1.13.34

यज्ञीयं च कृतं राजन् पुरुषैस्सुसमाहितै:।निर्यातु च भवान्यष्टुं यज्ञायतनमन्तिकात्।।1.13.34।।

O lord of kings, behold the sacrificial ground, furnished on every side with every desirable provision, so perfect it seems fashioned by the mind itself.

Verse 1.13.35

सर्वकामैरुपहृतैरुपेतं च समन्तत:। द्रष्टुमर्हसि राजेन्द्र मनसेव विनिर्मितम्।।1.13.35।।

Thus, following the words of both Vasiṣṭha and Ṛśyaśṛṅga, the lord of the earth set out on an auspicious day under a favorable constellation.

Verse 1.13.36

तथा वसिष्ठवचनादृश्यशृङ्गस्य चोभयो:।शुभे दिवसनक्षत्रे निर्यातो जगतीपति:।।1.13.36।।

Then all the foremost brahmins, with Vasiṣṭha at their head and placing Ṛśyaśṛṅga in front, entered the sacrificial enclosure and began the rites, exactly as the scriptures prescribe and as tradition requires.

Verse 1.13.37

ततो वसिष्ठप्रमुखास्सर्व एव द्विजोत्तमा:।ऋश्यशृङ्गं पुरस्कृत्य यज्ञकर्मारभन् तदा।।1.13.37।।यज्ञवाटगतास्सर्वे यथाशास्त्रं यथाविधि। 3

Then all the foremost brāhmaṇas, with Vasiṣṭha at their head, placing Ṛśyaśṛṅga in the foremost position, began the sacrificial rites. Having entered the sacrificial enclosure, they performed everything according to scripture and established procedure.

Verse 1.13.38

You are to me an affectionate friend, and also my venerable and exalted teacher; therefore the responsibility for this sacrifice, now undertaken, must indeed be borne by you.