Shloka 1.41.4

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

Devanagari script

अभिवाद्याभिवाद्यांस्त्वं हत्वा विघ्नकरानपि।सिद्धार्थस्सन्निवर्तस्व मम यज्ञस्य पारग:।।।।

Transliteration

sa taṃ pradakṣiṇaṃ kṛtvā pṛṣṭvā cāpi nirāmayam | pitṝn sa paripapraccha vājihartāram eva ca ||

Translation

Having circumambulated the elephant in reverence and inquired after its well-being, he then asked about his uncles and also about the one who had stolen the sacrificial horse of the yajña.

Context

'Honour those who deserve it. Kill those who cause obstacles to sacrifice. Come back with your mission accomplishing. And ensure the (successful) completion of my sacrifice'.

Characters & Entities

• Anśumān
• diśāgaja (elephant of the quarter)
• Sagara’s sons (Anśumān’s uncles)
• sacrificial horse (vāji)
• horse-stealer (vājihartṛ)

FAQs

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

Maryādā and satya-oriented inquiry: Anśumān approaches a revered being with respect (pradakṣiṇā) and then seeks truthful information to fulfill a righteous task.

What is the narrative situation?

Anśumān meets the directional elephant, honors it, and asks for guidance about his missing uncles and the stolen sacrificial horse.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vinaya (humility) combined with purposefulness—courtesy does not weaken resolve; it supports right action.