Shloka 1.13.30

हयमेध-यज्ञोपक्रमः — Commencement of the Aśvamedha Preparations

Devanagari script

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

Transliteration

tataḥ prīto dvijaśreṣṭhas tān sarvān idam abravīt |

avajñayā na dātavyaṃ kasyacit līlayāpi vā || 1.13.30 ||

avajñayā kṛtaṃ hanyād dātāraṃ nātra saṃśayaḥ |

Translation

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.”

Context

Then, well pleased, the best among brahmins (Vasishta) said to them all "Nobody should be offered any thing with disregard. Anything given with contempt undoubtedly results in the destruction of the donor."

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha

FAQs

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

Dāna (giving) must be performed with respect and right intention. A gift offered with contempt violates dharma and rebounds negatively upon the giver.

What is the narrative situation?

During preparations for Daśaratha’s yajña, Vasiṣṭha instructs the assembly on proper conduct—especially the etiquette and moral quality of giving.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Maryādā and śiṣṭācāra (noble propriety): Vasiṣṭha upholds disciplined, respectful behavior as essential to righteous action.