Shloka 1.39.23

सगरयज्ञाश्वहरणम् — The Stolen Sacrificial Horse of Sagara

Devanagari script

ते प्रसाद्य महात्मानं विषण्णवदनास्तदा। ऊचु: परमसन्त्रस्ता पितामहमिदं वच:।।1.39.23।।

Transliteration

tasyāśvacaryāṁ kākutstha dṛḍhadhanvā mahārathaḥ |

aṁśumān akarot tāta sagarasya mate sthitaḥ || 1.39.6 ||

Translation

O Kakutstha, dear child—Aṁśumān, the great charioteer of the firm bow, undertook the guarding and following of that sacrificial horse, abiding by Sagara’s command.

Context

With highly agitated minds and meloncholic faces, all of them approached magnanimous Brahma and having propitiated him said:

Characters & Entities

• Aṁśumān
• Sagara
• Sacrificial horse (aśva)

FAQs

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

Dharma as duty and loyalty: Aṁśumān fulfills the king’s directive to protect the yajña, placing responsibility above personal ease.

What is the narrative situation?

Sagara assigns Aṁśumān to accompany and safeguard the sacrificial horse as part of the ritual’s successful completion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast obedience and readiness (vīrya): Aṁśumān acts promptly and remains aligned with Sagara’s intent.