Shloka 1.53.24

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

Devanagari script

दर्शश्च पूर्णमासश्च यज्ञाश्चैवाप्तदक्षिणा:।एतदेव हि मे राजन् विविधाश्च क्रियास्तथा।।1.53.24।।

Transliteration

darśaś ca pūrṇamāsaś ca yajñāś caivāptadakṣiṇāḥ | etad eva hi me rājan vividhāś ca kriyās tathā || 1.53.24 ||

Translation

O King, it is by her that my Darśa and Pūrṇamāsa rites are accomplished, my sacrifices with fitting gifts, and my many other sacred observances as well.

Context

O King! verily this Sabala is useful for my darsa and purnamasa sacrifices, for appropriate gifts and various rites.

Characters & Entities

• Darśa
• Pūrṇamāsa
• Yajña
• Dakṣiṇā (ritual gifts/fees)
• Śabalā (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is sustained through rightful means: resources dedicated to sacred obligations should not be diverted, because they enable duties that benefit the moral order.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha justifies his refusal by stating Śabalā’s indispensable role in performing essential Vedic rites and properly honoring sacrificial obligations.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Duty-consciousness: Vasiṣṭha’s commitment to correct performance of rites and truthful articulation of his obligations.