Shloka 1.13.8

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

tathā śucīn śāstravidaḥ puruṣān subahuśrutān |

yajñakarma samīhantāṃ bhavanto rājaśāsanāt || 1.13.8 ||

Translation

Likewise he summoned men of pure conduct, learned in the śāstras and widely educated, and said: “By the king’s command, let the work of the yajña be duly undertaken.”

Context

Thereafter Vasishta summoned those brahmins who are experienced in the sacrificerelated activities venerable and righteous architects skilled workers brick makers, carpenters, diggers, artisans, account keepers, dancers and actors, men versed in scriptures and honest, wellinformed 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
• Daśaratha (implied by rājaśāsana)
• yajña (sacrifice)
• śāstra (scripture)

FAQs

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

Authority must be exercised through dharmic channels: royal command is implemented by people of purity and learning, aligning power (rājaśāsana) with śāstric propriety.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha formally instructs the assembled learned and trustworthy personnel to commence sacrificial preparations under the king’s directive.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for śāstra and moral qualification—competence is paired with purity and learning.