Shloka 1.14.3

अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha

Devanagari script

कर्म कुर्वन्ति विधिवद्याजका वेदपारगा:।यथाविधि यथान्यायं परिक्रामन्ति शास्त्रत:।।।।

Transliteration

karma kurvanti vidhivad yājakā veda-pāragāḥ | yathā-vidhi yathā-nyāyaṃ parikrāmanti śāstrataḥ ||

Translation

The officiating priests, fully accomplished in the Vedas, performed the rites in proper form, proceeding through each act by rule and law, exactly as the śāstras prescribe.

Context

The chief priests, masters of the Vedas, conducted the rituals in consonance with traditions and scriptures. They officiated in conformity with duties laid down in the Vedas and according to law.

Characters & Entities

• yājaka (officiating priests)
• Vedas
• śāstra
• nyāya (law/propriety)

FAQs

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

Dharma is faithful compliance with sacred and legal order: knowledge (Veda) is joined to right practice (vidhi/nyāya), embodying satya as accuracy and integrity in action.

What is the narrative situation?

The text summarizes how the priests conduct the Aśvamedha procedures—methodically and in accordance with scripture.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Learned discipline—expertise that expresses itself as careful, lawful conduct rather than mere display of scholarship.