Shloka 1.13.13

हयमेध-यज्ञोपक्रमः — Commencement of the Aśvamedha Preparations

Devanagari script

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

Transliteration

sarve varṇā yathā pūjāṃ prāpnuvanti susatkṛtāḥ | na cāvajñā prayoktavyā kāmakrodhavaśād api || 1.13.13 ||

Translation

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.

Context

People from all castes should be well-treated with respect. There should be no insultto any one through lust on greed on anger.

Characters & Entities

• varṇa (social groups)
• kāma
• krodha
• pūjā (honor)

FAQs

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

Equal dignity in public religious life: all communities must be treated with respect, and contempt is adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha instructs that the sacrifice must be conducted with impeccable social ethics and welcoming conduct.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dama (restraint): not letting kāma or krodha distort one’s behavior toward guests and participants.