Shloka 1.72.24
वैवाहिकसंबन्ध-निश्चयः / Fixing the Mithila–Ayodhya Marital Alliance
सुवर्णश्रुङ्गा स्सम्पन्ना स्सवत्सा: कांस्यदोहना:।गवां शतसहस्राणि चत्वारि पुरुषर्षभ:।।1.72.23।।वित्तमन्यच्च सुबहुद्विजेभ्यो रघुनन्दन:।ददौ गोदानमुद्दिश्य पुत्राणां पुत्रवत्सल:।।1.72.24।।
suvarṇaśṛṅgāḥ sampannāḥ savatsāḥ kāṃsyadohanāḥ | gavāṃ śatasahasrāṇi catvāri puruṣarṣabhaḥ || vittam anyac ca subahu dvijebhyo raghunandanaḥ | dadau godānam uddiśya putrāṇāṃ putravatsalaḥ ||
That bull among men, the delight of the Raghus—affectionate toward his sons—gave, in their names, a gift of four hundred thousand cows to the twice-born. The cows were well-provisioned, with calves, their horns adorned with gold, and with bronze vessels for milking; and he also bestowed abundant additional wealth upon the brāhmaṇas.
Great among men and affectionate towards his children, (king Dasaratha), the delight of the Raghus donated in the name of his sons' donates to the brahmins four hundred thousand cows. They were capable of abundance of milk. Their horns were plaited with gold. They were accompanied by calves. With them were given away bellmetal vessels for keeping milk and innumerable valuables.
Dāna with integrity: gifts are described as complete and dignified (healthy cows, calves, proper vessels), highlighting that dharmic giving includes quality, not mere quantity.
The text elaborates the scale and auspicious specifications of Daśaratha’s go-dāna performed in connection with his sons’ welfare and rites.
Putravātsalya (parental affection) joined with generosity: Daśaratha’s love for his sons expresses itself through righteous charity and careful ritual propriety.