Shloka 1.14.47

अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तो नरपतिर्ब्राह्मणैर्वेदपारगै:।।।।गवां शतसहस्राणि दश तेभ्यो ददौ नृप:। 4शतकोटीस्सुवर्णस्य रजतस्य चतुर्गुणम् ।।।।

Transliteration

evam ukto narapatir brāhmaṇair vedapāragaiḥ |

gavāṃ śatasahasrāṇi daśa tebhyo dadau nṛpaḥ |

śatakoṭīs suvarṇasya rajatasya caturguṇam ||

Translation

Thus addressed by Brahmins well-versed in the Vedas, the king bestowed on them a million cows, a hundred crores of gold, and four times that amount in silver.

Context

Lord of men, the king having been thus addressed by brahmins who were well-versed in the Vedas, bestowed on them ten hundred thousand cows, a hundred crore of gold coins and four times as much in silver coins.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Brāhmaṇas
• Veda
• Cows
• Gold
• Silver

FAQs

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

Dharma is fulfilled through generous, proportionate dakṣiṇā: the king honors sacred labor and maintains social-spiritual reciprocity between ruler and ritual specialists.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha responds to the priests’ request for substitute gifts by granting vast quantities of cattle and precious metals.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Royal generosity and responsiveness—Daśaratha gives promptly and abundantly rather than bargaining or delaying.