Shloka 1.14.2
अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha
ऋश्यशृङ्गं पुरस्कृत्य कर्म चक्रुर्द्विजर्षभा:।अश्वमेधे महायज्ञे राज्ञोऽस्य सुमहात्मन:।।।।
nāṣaḍaṅgavid atrāsīn nāvrato nābahuśrutaḥ |
sadasyās tasya vai rājño nāvādakuśalā dvijāḥ ||
In that sacrificial hall of the king, there was no assistant-priest unversed in the six auxiliaries, untrue to his vows, scant in learning, or unskilled in doctrinal debate; nor were there any brāhmaṇas among the assembly lacking such mastery.
The best of brahmins led by Rsyasringa performed the rituals of aswamedha organised by the exceedingly magnanimous king.
Dharma requires qualified stewardship: sacred acts must be conducted by those trained, vowed, truthful, and competent—integrity and learning guard righteousness.
The text describes the high caliber of Daśaratha’s ritual assembly: every officiant is learned, disciplined, and capable.
Institutional excellence under righteous patronage—selecting competent, vow-keeping experts rather than mere outward performance.