Shloka 1.14.15

अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha

Devanagari script

अन्नं हि विधिवत्साधु प्रशंसन्ति द्विजर्षभा:।अहो तृप्ता: स्म भद्रं ते इति शुश्राव राघव:।।।।

Transliteration

nānādeśād anuprāptāḥ puruṣāḥ strīgaṇās tathā |

annapānaiḥ suvihitās tasmin yajñe mahātmanaḥ ||

Translation

Men and companies of women, arrived from many lands, were amply provided with food and drink at that yajña of the great-souled king.

Context

Brahmins having tasted the delicious food cooked in prescribed manner, praised saying "Ah! We are fully satisfied. Prosperity to you". Such were the words heard by king Dasaratha.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha (mahātmā, implied)
• Aśvamedha-yajña

FAQs

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

Atithi-dharma (duty to guests): those who come—even from distant regions—must be cared for properly; righteous public acts include generous, orderly hospitality.

What is the narrative situation?

During the Aśvamedha, visitors from many regions gather, and the sacrificial venue provides them food and drink in an organized manner.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s generosity and public-minded responsibility—ensuring no participant or guest is neglected.