Shloka 1.8.8

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

Devanagari script

मम लालप्यमानस्य पुत्रार्थन्नास्ति वै सुखम्।तदर्थं हयमेधेन यक्ष्यामीति मतिर्मम।।।।

Transliteration

mama lālapyamānasya putrārthaṁ nāsti vai sukham |

tadarthaṁ hayamedhena yakṣyāmīti matir mama ||1.8.8||

Translation

For me, tormented by longing for a son, there is truly no happiness. Therefore, for that purpose, my resolve is: “I shall perform the Aśvamedha sacrifice.”

Context

There is no happiness for one who has no son. This is the cause of my intense suffering. Therefore, I have made up my mind to perform a horse-sacrifice.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Aśvamedha (hayamedha)

FAQs

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

Dharma is sought through sanctioned means: instead of despair or wrongdoing, the king turns to a Vedic rite and a disciplined vow (saṅkalpa) to address a personal and dynastic need.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha, grieved by having no sons, declares his intention to perform the Aśvamedha as a step toward obtaining progeny.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Perseverance guided by tradition—Daśaratha channels suffering into a lawful, ritual path rather than impulsive action.