Shloka 1.14.26

अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha

Devanagari script

इष्टकाश्च यथान्यायं कारिताश्च प्रमाणत:।चितोऽग्निर्ब्राह्मणैस्तत्र कुशलैश्शुल्बकर्मणि ।।।।

Transliteration

iṣṭakāś ca yathā-nyāyaṃ kāritāś ca pramāṇataḥ | cito 'gnir brāhmaṇais tatra kuśalaiḥ śulba-karmaṇi ||

Translation

There, bricks were fashioned according to proper rule and exact measure, and the fire-altar was laid out by brāhmaṇas skilled in śulba—the science of measuring and constructing with cords.

Context

The sacrificial fire-place was constructed with bricks with standard measurement by brahmins who were experts in the art of measuring land with a string or single strand.

Characters & Entities

• iṣṭakā (bricks)
• agni (fire-altar)
• brāhmaṇa (priests)
• śulba-karma (cord-geometry/measurement science)

FAQs

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

Dharma is precision and truthfulness in execution: sacred acts require correct knowledge, careful measurement, and competent hands—not negligence or improvisation.

What is the narrative situation?

The fire-altar and its brickwork are being constructed according to śāstric standards by trained ritual experts.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Competence joined with discipline—learning applied faithfully in service of a dharmic rite.