Shloka 1.14.10
अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha
ब्राह्मणा भुञ्जते नित्यं नाथवन्तश्च भुञ्जते।तापसा भुञ्जते चापि श्रमणा भुञ्जतेतथा।।।।
brāhmaṇā bhuñjate nityaṃ nāthavantaś ca bhuñjate |
tāpasā bhuñjate cāpi śramaṇā bhuñjate tathā || 1.14.10 ||
The Brāhmaṇas ate continually; so too did those who lived under a master’s protection, and likewise ascetics and renunciant śramaṇas ate as well.
During that period brahmanas as well as those who have masters, (the sudras), ascetics and monks had enough to eat.
Dharma as generosity without exclusion: the sacrificial occasion becomes a means of public nourishment, extending care to multiple social and spiritual groups.
During the sacrifice, abundant food is continuously distributed so that many categories of people can eat.
The king’s and organizers’ largesse—sustained, inclusive giving as a mark of righteous rule.