Shloka 1.14.16
अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha
स्वलङ्कृताश्च पुरुषा ब्राह्मणान्पर्यवेषयन्।उपासते च तानन्ये सुमृष्टमणिकुण्डला:।।।।
annaṁ hi vidhivat sādhu praśaṁsanti dvijarṣabhāḥ |
aho tṛptāḥ sma bhadraṁ te iti śuśrāva rāghavaḥ ||
Having tasted the food well prepared according to rite, the foremost Brahmins praised it, saying, “Ah, we are satisfied—may prosperity be yours!” Thus did Rāghava hear their words.
While brahmins were being served with food by well-dressed men, some others wearing pendents studded with shining jewels assisted them.
Dharma is shown through correctness and sincerity in service: offerings and hospitality done “vidhivat” (properly) earn truthful blessings from the learned.
Brahmins partake of the feast at the sacrifice and openly express satisfaction and benediction; the king hears their acclaim.
Attentive stewardship: the king ensures quality and propriety, and he values the honest approval of the righteous.