Shloka 1.16.9

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

Devanagari script

स चाप्यपुत्रो नृपतिस्तस्मिन्काले महाद्युति:।अयजत्पुत्रियामिष्टिं पुत्रेप्सुररिसूदन:।।।।

Transliteration

sa cāpy aputro nṛpatis tasmin kāle mahādyutiḥ | ayajat putriyām iṣṭiṃ putrepsur arisūdanaḥ || 1.16.9 ||

Translation

At that time, the radiant king—slayer of foes—though without sons, performed the sacred putrīyā iṣṭi, yearning for offspring.

Context

At that time, the brilliant king (Dasaratha), destroyer of enemies, who had no sons was performing a sacrifice for sons.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• putrīyā iṣṭi (son-procuring sacrifice)

FAQs

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

Dharma is continuity of righteous governance: a king seeks heirs not merely for personal desire but to sustain the stability of kingdom and social order through legitimate succession.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration situates Daśaratha’s son-seeking sacrifice at the very time Viṣṇu’s incarnation is being set in motion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Perseverance in duty—Daśaratha’s sustained commitment to lawful means (yajña) for fulfilling royal and familial responsibilities.