Shloka 1.14.29
अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha
शामित्रे तु हयस्तत्र तथा जलचराश्च ये।ऋत्विग्भिस्सर्वमेवैतन्नियुक्तं शास्त्रतस्तदा।।।।
śāmitre tu hayas tatra tathā jalacarāś ca ye | ṛtvigbhiḥ sarvam evaitan niyuktaṃ śāstratas tadā ||
Then, at the śāmitra stage of the rite, the horse and the aquatic creatures as well were all duly bound and arranged by the officiating priests, strictly in accordance with the scriptures.
When the time came to sacrifice the animals, the chief priests, in accordance with tradition, tied up the horse and all the aquatic animals to the sacrificial posts.
Dharma is regulated action under śāstra: even intense ritual moments are governed by rule, emphasizing restraint, correctness, and truthfulness to tradition.
The rite reaches the stage where designated beings—especially the horse—are formally bound/appointed under priestly supervision.
Priestly discipline and procedural integrity—acting without deviation from prescribed law.