Shloka 1.8.23

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

Devanagari script

ततस्स गत्वा ता:पत्नीर्नरेन्द्रो हृदयप्रिया:।उवाच दीक्षां विशत यक्ष्येऽहं सुतकारणात्।।।।

Transliteration

tato ’bravīd idaṃ rājā sumantraṃ mantrisattamam |

śīghram ānaya me sarvān gurūṃs tān sa-purohitān ||

Translation

Then the king spoke to Sumantra, the best among ministers: “Quickly bring to me all those revered teachers, together with the royal priests (purohita).”

Context

Thereafter the king said to his dearest wives: "I intend to perform a sacrifice in order to obtain sons. Therefore, you, too, commence religious discipline."

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Sumantra
• gurus
• purohitas

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld by honoring qualified teachers and priests and by placing sacred rites under proper guidance rather than personal whim.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha issues a direct instruction to summon the religious authorities needed for the planned rite.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence and humility before spiritual expertise, even for a sovereign.