Shloka 1.8.6

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

Devanagari script

ततस्सुमन्त्रस्त्वरितं गत्वा त्वरितविक्रम:।

समानयत्स तान् सर्वान् समस्तान्वेदपारगान् ।।1.8.5।।

सुयज्ञं वामदेवं च जाबालिमथ काश्यपम् ।

परोहितं वसिष्ठं च ये चान्ये व्दिजसत्तमा: ।। 1.8.6 ।।

Transliteration

tataḥ sa gatvā tāḥ patnīr narendro hṛdaya-priyāḥ |

uvāca dīkṣāṃ viśata yakṣye ’haṃ suta-kāraṇāt ||

Translation

Thereafter the lord of men went to his wives, dear to his heart, and said: “Enter upon the consecratory discipline (dīkṣā). I shall perform the sacrifice for the sake of obtaining sons.”

Context

Thereupon Sumantra of swift movement immediateiy brought together Suyajna, Vamadeva,Jabali, Kasyapa and priest Vasistha along with other brahmins who had mastery over the Vedas.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• the queens (patnīḥ)
• dīkṣā (ritual consecration)
• yajña (sacrifice)

FAQs

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

Household dharma aligned with sacred duty: family life and the wish for heirs are pursued through disciplined, ritual purity and shared commitment.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha informs his queens of the planned sacrifice and instructs them to undertake the preparatory vow and consecration.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsibility toward lineage and community—Daśaratha frames progeny as a dharmic aim supported by proper rites.