Shloka 1.13.6

हयमेध-यज्ञोपक्रमः — Commencement of the Aśvamedha Preparations

Devanagari script

ततोऽब्रवीद्विजान्वृद्धान्यज्ञकर्मसु निष्ठितान्।स्थापत्ये निष्ठितांश्चैव वृद्धान्परमधार्मिकान्।।1.13.6।।कर्मान्तिकान् शिल्पकरान्वर्धकीन् खनकानपि।गणकान्शिल्पिनश्चैव तथैव नटनर्तकान्।।1.13.7।। तथा शुचीन्शास्त्रविद: पुरुषान् सुबहुश्रुतान्।यज्ञकर्म समीहन्तां भवन्तो राजशासनात्।।1.13.8।। इष्टका बहु साहस्राश्शीघ्रमानीयतामिति। 0उपकार्या: क्रियन्तां च राज्ञां बहुगुणान्विता:।।1.13.9।।

Transliteration

tato 'bravīd dvijān vṛddhān yajñakarmasu niṣṭhitān |

sthāpatye niṣṭhitāṃś caiva vṛddhān paramadhārmikān || 1.13.6 ||

Translation

Then he addressed the venerable elder brāhmaṇas, steadfast in the duties of the yajña, and also the aged experts in architecture—men of the highest righteousness.

Context

Thereafter Vasishta summoned those brahmins who are experienced in the sacrifice-related activities venerable and righteous architects skilled workers brick makers, carpenters, diggers, artisans, account keepers, dancers and actors, men versed in scriptures and honest, well-informed people and addressed them saying, "In accordance with the king's command let the work of the sacrificial ceremony be inauguarated. Let thousands of bricks be brought. Let temporary residential buildings be erected with all the comforts to accommodate royal guests."

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• brāhmaṇas
• yajña (sacrifice)
• sthāpatya (architecture)

FAQs

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

Dharma as disciplined procedure: sacred work should be entrusted to the qualified and righteous, ensuring that ritual action is both correct and ethically grounded.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha begins organizing the sacrifice by calling experienced elders—ritual specialists and building experts—needed for proper execution.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Administrative wisdom and discernment—Vasiṣṭha selects competent, righteous personnel for a major royal rite.