Shloka 1.13.4

हयमेध-यज्ञोपक्रमः — Commencement of the Aśvamedha Preparations

Devanagari script

भवान् स्निग्धस्सुहृन्मह्यं गुरुश्च परमो महान्।ओढव्यो भवता चैव भारो यज्ञस्य चोद्यत:।।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 well-wisher and friend, and a supremely venerable guru. Therefore, the responsibility of this yajña, now set in motion, should indeed be borne by you.

Context

You are an affectionate friend and most reverential spiritual guide to me. The burden of performing the sacrifice which has since commenced shall be borne by you".

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• yajña (sacrifice)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is honoring rightful authority and competence: Daśaratha entrusts sacred duty to a qualified guru, showing that righteous action includes proper delegation and reverence toward spiritual leadership.

What is the narrative situation?

As the sacrifice has begun, Daśaratha formally requests Ṛśyaśṛṅga to take full charge of the yajña’s conduct and responsibilities.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s humility and guru-reverence (guru-sammāna), along with conscientiousness in ensuring the yajña is performed under proper guidance.