Shloka 1.16.2

पायसप्रादुर्भावः — The Manifestation of the Divine Payasa and the Avatara Resolution

Devanagari script

उपाय: को वधे तस्य रावणस्य दुरात्मन:।यमहं तं समास्थाय निहन्यामृषिकण्टकम्।।।।

Transliteration

bhāryāṇām anurūpāṇām aśnīteti prayaccha vai |

tāsu tvaṃ prāpsyase putrān yadarthaṃ yajase nṛpa || 1.16.20 ||

Translation

“Give it to your worthy queens to eat; through them you will obtain the sons for whose sake you are performing this sacrifice, O King.”

Context

"What strategies should be adopted in the matter of destruction of that evil-minded Ravana who is a thorn to the sages?".

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• queens/consorts (bhāryāḥ)
• pāyasa
• sacrifice (yajña)

FAQs

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

Dharma is fulfilled through proper channels: even a divinely granted boon is to be applied according to rightful family order (through the queens), emphasizing legitimacy, responsibility, and adherence to prescribed norms.

What is the narrative situation?

The emissary instructs Daśaratha on how to use the divine pāyasa so that the sacrifice’s purpose—sons—will be realized.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Obedience to righteous instruction: the king is guided to act methodically and lawfully, showing discipline and respect for dharmic procedure.