Shloka 1.14.20
अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha
प्राप्ते यूपोच्छ्रये तस्मिन्षड्बैल्वा: खादिरास्तथा।तावन्तो बिल्वसहिता: पर्णिनश्च तथापरे।।।।श्लेष्मातकमयस्त्वेको देवदारुमयस्तथा।द्वावेव विहितौ तत्र बाहुव्यस्तपरिग्रहौ।।।।
prāpte yūpocchraye tasmin ṣaḍbailvāḥ khādirās tathā |
tāvanto bilvasahitāḥ parṇinaś ca tathāpare ||
śleṣmātakamayas tv eko devadārumayas tathā |
dvāv eva vihitau tatra bāhuvyastaparigrahau ||
When the time came to raise the sacrificial posts (yūpa), six were set up of bilva and likewise six of khadira; as many more were arranged together with bilva, and still others of parṇi-wood. One post was of śleṣmātaka, and two were of devadāru; there they were placed with intervals measured by two outstretched arms.
When the time came to erect sacrificial posts, six posts each made of bilva and khadira wood and many made of parni wood along, one of sleshmataka and two of devadaru wood, with a distance of two outstretched hands between them were erected.
Dharma is precision and fidelity in sacred action: even materials and measurements are regulated, showing that righteousness includes careful, truthful adherence to prescribed standards.
The yajña advances to the stage of erecting yūpa posts; the text inventories woods and spacing, highlighting ritual exactness.
Reverence expressed through meticulous order—careful preparation as a form of integrity in worship and public duty.