Shloka 1.8.3

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

Devanagari script

स निश्चितां मतिं कृत्वा यष्टव्यमिति बुद्धिमान्।मन्त्रिभिस्सह धर्मात्मा सर्वैरेव कृतात्मभि:।।।।ततोऽब्रवीदिदं राजा सुमन्त्रं मन्त्रिसत्तमम्।शीघ्रमानय मे सर्वान्गुरूंस्तान् सपुरोहितान्।।।।

Transliteration

tān pūjayitvā dharmātmā rājā daśarathas tadā |

idaṃ dharmārtha-sahitaṃ ślakṣṇaṃ vacanam abravīt ||

Translation

Then righteous King Daśaratha, having honored them, spoke these gentle words—sound in dharma and in purpose.

Context

Having made up his mind to perform the sacrifice, that sagacious and pious king, in consultation with his wise ministers, issued the following command to Sumantra, the best of ministers "Bring all my spritual preceptors along with family priests."

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• assembled sages/priests

FAQs

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

Dharma includes respectful conduct and truthful, purposeful speech—honor first, then speak in a manner that benefits the rite and community.

What is the narrative situation?

After the sages arrive, Daśaratha receives them with honor and begins explaining his intention.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courtesy and restraint in speech (vāg-dharma), especially toward elders and spiritual authorities.