Shloka 1.18.2

पुत्रजन्मोत्सवः — Birth of the Princes and Viśvāmitra’s Arrival (Bālakāṇḍa 18)

Devanagari script

समाप्तदीक्षानियम: पत्नीगणसमन्वित:।प्रविवेश पुरीं राजा सभृत्यबलवाहन:।।।।

Transliteration

pradeyāṃś ca dadau rājā sūtamāgadhavandinām |

brāhmaṇebhyo dadau vittaṃ godhanāni sahasraśaḥ ||

Translation

The king bestowed gifts worthy of offering upon the sūtas, māgadhas, and bards; and to the brāhmaṇas he gave wealth and cattle in the thousands.

Context

Having completed the prescribed vows (in respect of aswamedha), king Dasaratha together with his queens returned to the city of Ayodhya accompanied by his attendants, army and chariots.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Brāhmaṇas
• Sūtas
• Māgadhas
• Vandins (bards/panegyrists)
• Cows (go-dhana)

FAQs

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

Dāna (generosity) as rāja-dharma: prosperity is legitimized by giving—supporting spiritual learning (brāhmaṇas) and cultural memory (bards/genealogists).

What is the narrative situation?

During the celebrations, Daśaratha distributes gifts and wealth widely, especially to brāhmaṇas and courtly reciters.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Generosity and gratitude—Daśaratha responds to auspicious fortune by sharing abundance in a socially sustaining way.