Shloka 1.14.1

अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha

Devanagari script

अथ संवत्सरे पूर्णे तस्मिन्प्राप्ते तुरङ्गमे।सरय्वाश्चोत्तरे तीरे राज्ञो यज्ञोऽभ्यवर्तत।।।।

Transliteration

atha saṃvatsare pūrṇe tasmin prāpte turaṅgame |

sarayvāś cottare tīre rājño yajño 'bhyavartata || 1.14.1 ||

Translation

Then, when the year was complete and the sacrificial horse had returned, the king’s yajña commenced on the northern bank of the Sarayū.

Context

After completion of one year when the sacrificial horse had returned, the sacrifice by the king (Dasaratha) commenced on the northern bank of river Sarayu.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Sarayū
• turaṅga (sacrificial horse)
• yajña (Aśvamedha context)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma expressed through lawful rite: the king undertakes a major sacrifice only after completing prescribed conditions (the year and the horse’s return), emphasizing discipline and adherence to rule.

What is the narrative situation?

After the horse’s year-long course is completed and it returns, Daśaratha formally begins the sacrifice at Sarayū’s northern bank.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s perseverance and procedural fidelity—he follows the rite’s timeline and requirements.