Shloka 1.39.16

सगरयज्ञाश्वहरणम् — The Stolen Sacrificial Horse of Sagara

Devanagari script

इत्युक्ता हृष्टमनसो राजपुत्रा महाबला:।जग्मुर्महीतलं राम पितुर्वचनयन्त्रिता:।।1.39.16।।

Transliteration

dīkṣitaḥ pautra-sahitaḥ sopādhyāya-gaṇo hy aham |

iha sthāsyāmi bhadraṁ vo yāvat turaga-darśanam ||1.39.15||

Translation

Initiated for the rite, I shall remain here along with my grandson and the assembled teachers. May welfare be yours, until the horse is seen and recovered.

Context

"O Rama! thus commanded by Sagara, the highly powerful princes with cheeful hearts departed in obedience to their father's command in quest of the horse on earth.

Characters & Entities

• Sagara
• grandson (pautra) — Anśumān (from provided note)
• upādhyāyas (priests/teachers)
• sacrificial horse

FAQs

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

Dharma is fidelity to one’s consecrated vow: having undertaken initiation, Sagara must not abandon the sacrificial ground; he maintains satya by staying until the rite’s purpose is fulfilled.

What is the narrative situation?

Sagara declares he will remain at the sacrifice site with his grandson and priests while his sons conduct the search.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness and accountability—he holds his ritual post rather than acting impulsively.