Shloka 1.13.23

हयमेध-यज्ञोपक्रमः — Commencement of the Aśvamedha Preparations

Devanagari script

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

Transliteration

tathā kāśīpatiṃ snigdhaṃ satataṃ priyavādinam |

vayasyaṃ rājasiṃhasya svayam evānayasva ha || 1.13.22 ||

Translation

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

Context

Likewise bring here the aged and very righteous king of Kekaya along with his sons. He is father-in-law to this lion among kings (Dasaratha).

Characters & Entities

• Kāśī
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Dharma includes sustaining righteous friendships among rulers; affectionate speech and goodwill (snigdhatā, priyavāditā) support harmony and collective sacred duties like yajña.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha continues listing allied kings to be invited for Daśaratha’s rite, naming the king of Kāśī as a close friend.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The Kāśī king’s virtue is gentle conduct—affection and pleasant speech—qualities valued in dhārmic political relations.