Shloka 1.8.18

अष्टमः सर्गः — Daśaratha Resolves on the Aśvamedha (Horse-Sacrifice) for Progeny

Devanagari script

तद्यथा विधिपूर्वं मे क्रतुरेष समाप्यते ।तथा विधानं क्रियतां समर्था: करणेष्विह।।।।

Transliteration

chidraṁ hi mṛgayante 'tra vidvāṁso brahmarākṣasāḥ |

nihatasya ca yajñasya sadyaḥ kartā vinaśyati ||

Translation

For here, the learned brahmarākṣasas search for a flaw; and if the sacrifice is struck down through such a fault, the sacrificer is destroyed at once.

Context

Therefore let the arrangements be made in a manner this sacifice is completed in accordance with the scriptures. And in this, you are experts".

Characters & Entities

• Brahmarākṣasas
• Yajña
• Kartā (sacrificer)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes guarding sacred action against corruption: negligence creates openings for harm, and responsibility for the rite’s purity falls on the one who undertakes it.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha cautions that hostile forces seek flaws in major sacrifices and that failure can bring immediate ruin to the patron.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Alertness and protective governance—anticipating threats and preventing lapses.