Shloka 1.8.21

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

Devanagari script

विसर्जयित्वा तान्विप्रान्सचिवानिदमब्रवीत्।ऋत्विग्भिरुपदिष्टोऽयं यथावत्क्रतुराप्यताम्।।।।

Transliteration

visarjayitvā tān viprān sacivān idam abravīt |

ṛtvigbhir upadiṣṭo 'yaṁ yathāvat kratur āpyatām ||

Translation

After dismissing those brahmins, he said to his ministers: “Let this sacrifice be carried out properly, exactly as the officiating priests have prescribed.”

Context

After sending away the brahmins, the king said to his ministers: "Let this sacrifice be performed as enjoined by scriptures and as directed by the officiating priests".

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Brahmins (Vipras)
• Officiating priests (Ṛtvijas)
• Kratu/Yajña

FAQs

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

Dharma is obedience to rightful ritual authority: the king insists the rite conform to the ṛtvijas’ prescriptions, reflecting commitment to truthfulness in procedure and outcome.

What is the narrative situation?

With the brahmins departed, Daśaratha reiterates to his ministers that the sacrifice must proceed exactly as the priests direct.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rule-following leadership—he aligns political execution with priestly expertise to ensure a faultless rite.