Shloka 1.39.10

सगरयज्ञाश्वहरणम् — The Stolen Sacrificial Horse of Sagara

Devanagari script

यज्ञच्छिद्रं भवत्येतत्सर्वेषामशिवाय न:।तत्तथा क्रियतां राजन् यथाऽच्छिद्र: क्रतुर्भवेत्।।1.39.10।।

Transliteration

yajñacchidraṃ bhavaty etat sarveṣām aśivāya naḥ | tat tathā kriyatāṃ rājan yathācchidraḥ kratur bhavet ||

Translation

This becomes a flaw in the sacrifice, bringing ill-omen to us all. Therefore, O king, let it be arranged so that the rite (kratu) may proceed without any defect.

Context

'This flaw in sacrifice will be inauspicious for all of us. Hence O king! do everything which will ensure flawlessness to this sacrifice'.

Characters & Entities

• yajña
• kratu
• rājan (king)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is meticulous responsibility: sacred acts must be performed without negligence, since collective welfare is tied to correctness and integrity in duty.

What is the narrative situation?

During a sacrificial context, a concern is raised that a defect in the ritual would bring inauspicious results, so corrective action is urged.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pramāda-rahitatā (freedom from carelessness): vigilance and thoroughness in carrying out one’s obligations.