Shloka 1.14.23
अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha
एकविंशतियूपास्ते एकविंशत्यरत्नय:।वासोभिरेकविंशद्भिरेकैकं समलङ्कृता:।।।।
ekaviṃśati-yūpās te ekaviṃśaty-aratnayaḥ | vāsobhir ekaviṃśadbhir ekaikaṃ samalaṅkṛtāḥ ||
Those twenty-one sacrificial posts (yūpa), each measuring twenty-one aratnis in height, were beautifully adorned—each post wrapped with its own cloth.
These twentyone sacrificial posts, each measuring twentyone 'aratni' height, were well-decorated wrapped in a piece of cloth.
Dharma here is expressed as disciplined adherence to sacred order—careful preparation and proper adornment of ritual instruments, reflecting reverence and responsibility in public religious action.
During Daśaratha’s great sacrifice preparations, the sacrificial posts (yūpas) are set up with precise measurements and decorated appropriately.
Royal conscientiousness and ritual integrity—care for correctness and dignity in a major dharmic undertaking.