Shloka 1.13.9

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

iṣṭakā bahu sāhasrāḥ śīghram ānīyatām iti |

upakāryāḥ kriyantāṃ ca rājñāṃ bahuguṇānvitāḥ || 1.13.9 ||

Translation

“Let many thousands of bricks be brought at once; and let temporary dwellings—well furnished in every way for kings—be constructed.”

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
• iṣṭakā (bricks)
• upakāryāḥ (temporary residences)
• yajña (sacrifice) (implied context)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes proper hospitality and logistical righteousness: sacred rites require orderly preparation and respectful accommodation of guests, especially invited kings and dignitaries.

What is the narrative situation?

Concrete preparations are ordered—materials (bricks) and guest facilities (temporary residences) for the forthcoming sacrifice.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical foresight—Vasiṣṭha ensures the ritual setting meets both sacred requirements and social obligations of welcome.