Shloka 1.14.42
अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha
प्राचीं होत्रे ददौ राजा दिशं स्वकुलवर्धन:।अध्वर्यवे प्रतीचीं तु ब्रह्मणे दक्षिणां दिशम्।।1.14.41।।उद्गात्रे च तथोदीचीं दक्षिणैषा विनिर्मिता।हयमेधे महायज्ञे स्वयंभूविहिते पुरा।।1.14.42।।
udgātre ca tathodīcīṃ dakṣiṇaiṣā vinirmitā |
hayamedhe mahāyajñe svayaṃbhūvihite purā ||
And likewise the northern quarter was assigned to the Udgātṛ as dakṣiṇā; such an arrangement of sacrificial gifts had long ago been fixed for the great Aśvamedha, as ordained in ancient times by the Self-born (Brahmā).
In order to promote his dynasty, king Dasaratha gave away eastern region to Hotar, western region to Adhvaryu, southern region to Brahma and northern region to Udgata. These offerings were made in accordance with theprescriptions by Brahma long all.
Dharma is fidelity to śāstric tradition: gifts and ritual roles are not arbitrary but anchored in ancient ordinance, linking personal action to collective sacred order.
The narration explains the traditional allocation of quarters as dakṣiṇā in the Aśvamedha and attributes its authority to Brahmā’s primordial prescription.
Daśaratha’s respect for established sacred norms—he performs the rite without improvisation or deviation.