Shloka 1.14.30

अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha

Devanagari script

पशूनां त्रिशतं तत्र यूपेषु नियतं तदा।अश्वरत्नोत्तमं तस्य राज्ञो दशरथस्य च ।।।।

Transliteration

paśūnāṃ triśataṃ tatra yūpeṣu niyataṃ tadā | aśva-ratnottamaṃ tasya rājño daśarathasya ca ||

Translation

Then three hundred animals were bound to the sacrificial posts, and also King Daśaratha’s finest horse—the very jewel among steeds.

Context

Three hundred animals and the jewel of the horses (from the stables) belonging to king Dasaratha were bound to the sacrificial posts.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• yūpa (sacrificial posts)
• animals (paśu)
• horse (aśva)

FAQs

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

Dharma is the king’s public commitment to sanctioned duty: the rite is not casual but formally provisioned, showing resolve to follow a vowed path with visible accountability.

What is the narrative situation?

The sacrificial preparations intensify: numerous animals and Daśaratha’s finest horse are bound to the posts as part of the Aśvamedha.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Royal resolve and willingness to bear the burdens of dharmic kingship through formal rites.