Shloka 1.8.4

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

Devanagari script

स निश्चितां मतिं कृत्वा यष्टव्यमिति बुद्धिमान्।मन्त्रिभिस्सह धर्मात्मा सर्वैरेव कृतात्मभि:।।1.8.3।। ततोऽब्रवीदिदं राजा सुमन्त्रं मन्त्रिसत्तमम्।शीघ्रमानय मे सर्वान्गुरूंस्तान् सपुरोहितान्।।1.8.4।।

Transliteration

mama lālapyamānasya putrārthaṃ nāsti vai sukham |

tad-arthaṃ hayamedhena yakṣyāmīti matir mama ||

Translation

“For me, afflicted with longing for a son, there is truly no happiness. Therefore I have resolved: I shall perform the Aśvamedha sacrifice for that 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
• Aśvamedha (hayamedha)

FAQs

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

Personal desire is channeled through dharmic means: Daśaratha seeks progeny not by coercion or caprice, but by a sanctioned Vedic rite under priestly guidance.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha discloses to the assembled sages his sorrow at being without a son and his intention to perform the Aśvamedha.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and clarity of purpose—he openly states his inner suffering and makes a firm, responsible resolve.