Shloka 9
Instruction to Śatrughna and the Mobilization for Rāma’s Aśvamedha
श्रीराम उवाच । शृणु लक्ष्मण मद्वाक्यं श्रुत्वा तत्कुरु सत्वरम् । हयमानय यत्नेन वाजिमेधक्रियोचितम्
śrīrāma uvāca | śṛṇu lakṣmaṇa madvākyaṃ śrutvā tatkuru satvaram | hayamānaya yatnena vājimedhakriyocitam
シュリー・ラーマは言った。「ラクシュマナよ、わが言葉を聞け。聞いたなら直ちにそれを行え。アシュヴァメーダの儀礼にふさわしい馬を、心を尽くして連れて来よ。」
Śrī Rāma
Concept: Swift, disciplined execution of dharmic duty under righteous leadership; yajña as a public act of order and responsibility.
Application: When a duty is clear and ethically grounded, act promptly and carefully; prepare the right means for the right purpose (fitness for rite).
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a palace courtyard, Śrī Rāma stands poised, his gaze steady, issuing a concise command to Lakṣmaṇa. Attendants and stable-masters wait near a richly caparisoned horse, while ritual priests prepare implements—hinting that political order and sacred rite are about to merge.","primary_figures":["Śrī Rāma","Lakṣmaṇa","royal stable-master","Vedic priests (hotṛ/adhvaryu figures)"],"setting":"Ayodhyā palace courtyard with carved pillars, banners, and a nearby stable gate; ritual platform visible at the edge.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["sapphire blue","ivory white","marigold gold","crimson","teak brown"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Śrī Rāma in royal attire with gold leaf halo and ornate crown, right hand in commanding gesture; Lakṣmaṇa attentive with bow at side; a decorated Aśvamedha horse with gold trappings; heavy gold leaf on jewelry, pillars, and borders; rich reds/greens with gem-like detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a refined palace scene with soft architectural lines; Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa in elegant garments, delicate facial features; the horse rendered with lyrical naturalism; pale sky wash and cool shadows, subtle ornamentation, narrative clarity.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: iconic Rāma with stylized eyes and bold outlines, Lakṣmaṇa beside; the horse frontal and symbolic; strong red/yellow/green palette, temple-wall composition, ornamental borders suggesting ritual sanctity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central panel of Rāma commanding the rite, surrounded by lotus and floral borders; incorporate peacocks and stylized cows at margins as auspicious motifs; deep indigo background with gold highlights; the horse adorned with intricate textile patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells","hoofbeats in distance","murmur of priests","drum cadence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मद्वाक्यम् = मत् + वाक्यम्; तत्कुरु = तत् + कुरु; वाजिमेधक्रियोचितम् = वाजिमेध-क्रिया-उचितम् (समास/सन्धि).
FAQs
Śrī Rāma commands Lakṣmaṇa to listen carefully and promptly bring a horse that is suitable for the Aśvamedha (Vājimedha) sacrificial rite.
“Vājimedha” is a synonym/variant designation for the Aśvamedha, the royal horse-sacrifice described in Vedic ritual literature.
The verse highlights disciplined obedience and timely action in carrying out dharmic duties—hearing instructions attentively and executing them without delay.