Shloka 1.13.22

हयमेध-यज्ञोपक्रमः — Commencement of the Aśvamedha Preparations

Devanagari script

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

Transliteration

tam ānaya mahābhāgaṃ svayam eva susatkṛtam |

pūrvasambandhinaṃ jñātvā tataḥ pūrvaṃ bravīmi te || 1.13.21 ||

Translation

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

Context

Similarly, you may personally escort king of Kasi who is always affectionate and sweet-tongued. He is a friend to our king who is a lion among rulers.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as maryādā in relationships: honoring long-standing alliances and receiving guests with proper respect (satkāra) is a duty of righteous governance.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha directs Sumantra to personally invite Janaka with full honors, emphasizing their prior alliance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vasiṣṭha’s prudence and diplomatic righteousness: he safeguards relationships through timely instruction and respectful protocol.