Shloka 1.41.15

अंशुमान्—अश्वान्वेषणम्, दिशागजसंवादः, कपिलदाहवृत्तान्तः, गङ्गोपदेशः (Anshuman’s Search for the Horse and the Counsel to Bring Ganga)

Devanagari script

स तेषां राजपुत्राणां कर्तुकामो जलक्रियाम् ।सलिलार्थी महातेजा न चापश्यज्जलाशयम् ।।।।

Transliteration

sa teṣāṃ rājaputrāṇāṃ kartukāmo jalakriyām | salilārthī mahātejā na cāpaśyaj jalāśayam ||

Translation

Wishing to perform the water-offerings for those princes, the radiant Anśumān searched for water—but he could find no reservoir in that place.

Context

With the intention of performing traditional funeral rites with water for the deceased princes, highly lustrous Anshuman looked around for water but could not see anyreservoir of water (in the neighbourhood).

Characters & Entities

• Anśumān
• the princes (Sagara’s sons)
• jalakriyā (water-offering rite)

FAQs

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

Pitṛdharma—honoring the departed through proper rites—is treated as a moral obligation, not merely a custom.

What is the narrative situation?

After discovering the horse, Anśumān intends to offer water-rites for the deceased princes but cannot find any water source nearby.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate responsibility toward ancestors and elders, expressed through a sincere attempt to perform rites.