Shloka 1.8.17
अष्टमः सर्गः — Daśaratha Resolves on the Aśvamedha (Horse-Sacrifice) for Progeny
छिद्रं हि मृगयन्तेऽत्र विद्वांसो ब्रह्मराक्षसा: ।निहतस्य च यज्ञस्य सद्य: कर्ता विनश्यति ।।।।
śakyaḥ prāptum ayaṁ yajñaḥ sarveṇāpi mahīkṣitā |
nāparādho bhavet kaṣṭo yady asmin kratusattame ||
This sacrifice can indeed yield its intended fruit even to any king—provided that, in this best of rites, no grave omission or fault occurs.
The learned brahmarakshasas always look out for flaws in the sacrifice so that they can spoil it. If a flaw finds place, the doer of the sacrifice is immediately destroyed.
Dharma emphasizes integrity: results depend not merely on intention but on faultless execution—omissions in duty can ruin even noble undertakings.
Daśaratha warns that the sacrifice’s success hinges on preventing serious ritual errors.
Vigilance and responsibility—he highlights the consequences of negligence.