Shloka 1.14.40

अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha

Devanagari script

ज्योतिष्टोमायुषी चैवमतिरात्रौ विनिर्मितौ।अभिजिद्विश्वजिच्चैवमप्तोर्यामो महाक्रतु:।।।।

Transliteration

jyotiṣṭomāyuṣī caivam atirātrau vinirmitau |

abhijid viśvajit caivam aptoryāmo mahākratuḥ ||

Translation

Thus, within the Atirātra were duly set the Jyotiṣṭoma and the Āyuṣī; and likewise the Abhijit, Viśvajit, and Aptoryāma rites—constituting the great sacrificial undertaking—were performed as prescribed.

Context

Jyotishtoma and Ayuryaga in Atiratra, Abhijit, Viswajit and Aptoryama ceremonies constituting the great sacrifice were performed in the prescribed manner.

Characters & Entities

• Atirātra
• Jyotiṣṭoma
• Āyuṣī
• Abhijit
• Viśvajit
• Aptoryāma
• Mahākratu (great sacrifice)

FAQs

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

Dharma is principled order: a ‘great rite’ is great not by display, but by faithful integration of prescribed components under the discipline of truthfully transmitted tradition.

What is the narrative situation?

The verse catalogs major constituent rites performed within the Aśvamedha’s Atirātra framework, emphasizing the comprehensiveness of the sacrificial program.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Institutional virtue: the community’s capacity to preserve, transmit, and execute complex duties without deviation.