Shloka 1.14.24

अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha

Devanagari script

विन्यस्ता विधिवत्सर्वे शिल्पिभिस्सुकृता दृढा:।अष्टाश्रयस्सर्व एव श्लक्ष्णरूपसमन्विता:।।।।

Transliteration

vinyastā vidhivat sarve śilpibhiḥ sukṛtā dṛḍhāḥ | aṣṭāśrayāḥ sarva eva ślakṣṇa-rūpa-samanvitāḥ ||

Translation

All those posts were duly set up according to rule—well-made by skilled craftsmen, strong, eight-sided, and finished with smooth, refined surfaces.

Context

All those posts, strong with eight sides and finely finished surfaces, well-carved by sculptors were duly erected.

Characters & Entities

• yūpa (sacrificial posts)
• śilpin (craftsmen)
• aṣṭāśraya (eight-sided form)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as fidelity to prescribed standards (vidhi) and truthful workmanship—ritual objects must be made correctly, not merely ceremonially displayed.

What is the narrative situation?

The sacrificial posts for the rite are being installed; the text emphasizes their correct construction and placement.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective competence and sincerity—priests and artisans uphold the rite through skill and exactness.