Shloka 1.14.14

अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha

Devanagari script

नानादेशादनुप्राप्ता: पुरुषास्स्त्रीगणास्तथा।अन्नपानैस्सुविहितास्तस्मिन्यज्ञे महात्मन:।।।।

Transliteration

ṛśyaśṛṅgaṁ puraskṛtya karma cakrur dvijarṣabhāḥ |

aśvamedhe mahāyajñe rājño ’sya sumahātmanaḥ ||

Translation

Led by Ṛśyaśṛṅga, the foremost Brāhmaṇas carried out the rites of the great Aśvamedha sacrifice, the mahāyajña of this exceedingly magnanimous king.

Context

Men and women who had come from various countries to that sacrifice were entertained with food and drink by the magnanimous (king).

Characters & Entities

• Ṛśyaśṛṅga
• Aśvamedha
• Daśaratha (implied by 'rājā' in context)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is expressed as disciplined performance of sacred duty (yajña-karma) under qualified leadership—public righteousness supported by correct ritual order and learned conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha is underway; eminent Brahmins, led by Ṛśyaśṛṅga, are conducting the prescribed rites.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The king’s magnanimity and commitment to dharmic kingship (supporting and commissioning righteous, properly guided rites).