Shloka 1.19.18

विश्वामित्रस्य यज्ञरक्षा-याचना (Visvamitra Requests Rama for Yajna-Protection)

Devanagari script

नात्येति कालो यज्ञस्य यथाऽयं मम राघव।।।।तथा कुरुष्व भद्रं ते मा च शोके मन: कृथा:।

Transliteration

abhipretam asaṃsaktam ātmajaṃ dātum arhasi |

daśa-rātraṃ hi yajñasya rāmaṃ rājīva-locanam ||

Translation

You should entrust your beloved son—lotus-eyed Rāma—without clinging attachment, for the yajña requires him for ten nights.

Context

O (Dasaratha), descendant of Raghu! act in such a manner that the time for my sacrifice is not delayed. Do not indulge in grief. Prosperity to you!"

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• yajña (sacrifice)

FAQs

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

Non-attachment in duty: even what is most beloved may be offered in service of dharma (protection of yajña and the ascetic community).

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra specifies the limited duration—ten nights—during which Rāma is needed to safeguard the ritual.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s expected vairāgya-like restraint in action: fulfilling duty without possessiveness.