Shloka 1.13.38

हयमेध-यज्ञोपक्रमः — Commencement of the Aśvamedha Preparations

Devanagari script

भवान् स्निग्धस्सुहृन्मह्यं गुरुश्च परमो महान्।

ओढव्यो भवता चैव भारो यज्ञस्य चोद्यतः।।1.13.4।।

Transliteration

bhavān snigdhaḥ suhṛn mahyaṃ guruś ca paramo mahān |

oḍhavyo bhavatā caiva bhāro yajñasya codyataḥ || 1.13.4 ||

Translation

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.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Vasiṣṭha
• yajña (sacrifice)

FAQs

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

Honoring the guru and entrusting sacred duties to qualified authority is dharma; the king recognizes that spiritual leadership rightly guides royal action.

What is the narrative situation?

As the sacrifice is being organized, Daśaratha expresses reliance on Vasiṣṭha as both trusted friend and preceptor, placing the yajña’s responsibility under his guidance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence and humility: Daśaratha models respect for spiritual authority and willingness to be guided in dharmic action.