Shloka 1.53.13

शबलाप्रार्थना–वसिष्ठप्रतिज्ञा (The Request for Śabalā and Vasiṣṭha’s Refusal)

Devanagari script

अस्यां हव्यं च कव्यं च प्राणयात्रा तथैव च।आयत्तमग्निहोत्रं च बलिर्होमस्तथैव च।।1.53.13।।

Transliteration

asyāṃ havyaṃ ca kavyaṃ ca prāṇayātrā tathaiva ca | āyattam agnihotraṃ ca balir homas tathaiva ca ||

Translation

Upon her depend offerings to the gods and to the ancestors, the very means of livelihood, the agnihotra rites, and also the bali and homa offerings.

Context

For havyam (oblations to gods) and kavyam (oblations to ancestors), for fulfilling the necessities of life, maintenance of the sacred fire and offering oblations to all spirits of created beings, and for offerings made to the Fire-god I depend on this cow.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Viśvāmitra
• Śabalā
• Agnihotra
• Havya
• Kavya
• Bali
• Homa

FAQs

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

Dharma is sustained by right ritual action and responsibility: removing a key support of sacred duty disrupts the moral-religious order.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha explains that Śabalā is essential for his ritual obligations and daily sustenance, so relinquishing her would impair dharmic practice.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to sacred duty: Vasiṣṭha prioritizes continuity of rites and obligations over appeasing royal demand.