Shloka 1.39.13

सगरयज्ञाश्वहरणम् — The Stolen Sacrificial Horse of Sagara

Devanagari script

तद्गच्छत विचिन्वध्वं पुत्रका: भद्रमस्तु व:।समुद्रमालिनीं सर्वां पृथिवीमनुगच्छत।।1.39.13।।

Transliteration

gatiṁ putrāḥ na paśyāmi rakṣasāṁ paruṣarṣabhāḥ |

mantrapūtair mahābhāgair āsthito hi mahākratuḥ ||1.39.12||

Translation

“My sons—best among men—I do not see any way for the rākṣasas to gain entry here, for this great sacrifice (kratu) is safeguarded by mantra-consecration and is being conducted under eminent priests.”

Context

'Therefore my sons, go and search this entire earth surrounded by oceans. May you be safe'.

Characters & Entities

• Sagara
• rākṣasas
• mahākratu (great sacrifice)
• mantras
• officiating priests

FAQs

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

Dharma is discernment grounded in truth: Sagara reasons that a properly consecrated rite, upheld by qualified priests, should not be vulnerable—so the search must proceed beyond blaming unseen forces.

What is the narrative situation?

Sagara reassures his sons that the sacrifice is ritually secured and implies the disturbance (the missing horse) must be investigated through action rather than assumption.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and confidence in dharmic procedure—trust in mantra and priestly guardianship paired with a rational assessment of the situation.