Shloka 1.14.52

अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha

Devanagari script

दरिद्राय द्विजायाथ हस्ताभरणमुत्तमम्।कस्मैचिद्याचमानाय ददौ राघवनन्दन:।।।।

Transliteration

daridrāya dvijāyātha hastābharaṇam uttamam | kasmaicid yācamānāya dadau rāghavanandanaḥ ||

Translation

Then Rāghava’s father (Daśaratha) gave an excellent hand-ornament to a poor brāhmaṇa—one who was asking for alms.

Context

Dasaratha then gave his excellent bracelet to a poor brahmin who solicited alms.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha (Rāghavanandana)
• Poor brāhmaṇa
• Hasta-ābharaṇa (bracelet/hand-ornament)

FAQs

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

Compassionate giving: dharmic charity responds to need directly, honoring the supplicant without delay or disdain.

What is the narrative situation?

During post-sacrificial generosity, Daśaratha personally gives a valuable ornament to a poor brāhmaṇa who requests alms.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Empathy and readiness to give—Daśaratha’s generosity extends beyond formal distributions to individual need.