Shloka 1.14.35

अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha

Devanagari script

धूमगन्धं वपायास्तु जिघ्रति स्म नराधिप:।यथाकालं यथान्यायं निर्णुदन्पापमात्मन:।।।।

Transliteration

dhūmagandhaṃ vapāyās tu jighrati sma narādhipaḥ |

yathākālaṃ yathānyāyaṃ nirṇudan pāpam ātmanaḥ ||

Translation

At the proper time and in the proper manner, the king inhaled the fragrant smoke rising from the vapā, thereby driving away sin from himself in accordance with rule.

Context

The king at appropriate time and in agreement with the scriptures inhaled the odour of the smoke (from the burnt marrow) and absolved himself of his sins.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Vapā
• Sacrificial smoke (dhūma)
• Aśvamedha rite

FAQs

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

Dharma is acting ‘in due time and due manner’ (yathākāla, yathānyāya): even purification is not arbitrary but governed by disciplined conformity to rightful procedure.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha performs a prescribed act within the Aśvamedha—receiving the smoke-scent from the prepared offering as part of ritual expiation/purification.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s rule-bound piety: he seeks purification through lawful means rather than impulse.