Shloka 19
Pitṛ-tīrtha Context: Marks of Sin, Śrāddha Discipline, and Karmic Ripening
in Yayāti’s Narrative
अश्वमेधस्य यज्ञस्य फलं तस्य प्रजायते । कस्माद्धिकारणाद्राजञ्छक्यं प्राप्य न कारयेत्
aśvamedhasya yajñasya phalaṃ tasya prajāyate | kasmāddhikāraṇādrājañchakyaṃ prāpya na kārayet
त्या कर्मातून अश्वमेध यज्ञाचे फळ उत्पन्न होते. म्हणून हे राजन्, सामर्थ्य व साधने मिळाल्यावर कोणत्या कारणाने तो यज्ञ करवून घेऊ नये?
Unspecified narrator addressing a king (rājan) within the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa dialogue context
Concept: Honoring the sheltered dvija yields merit comparable to the Aśvamedha; therefore one should not neglect such dharma when capable.
Application: Do not postpone dharmic duties waiting for ‘big’ opportunities; when you have the means to help, honor, feed, and support—small acts done rightly can equal grand undertakings.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king listens to a sage’s counsel while, in a visionary overlay, the immense Aśvamedha ritual ground appears—white horse, banners, priests, and fire altars stretching to the horizon. The sage’s gesture links the king’s simple act of honoring a sheltered dvija to the cosmic scale of the sacrifice, suggesting equivalence of merit.","primary_figures":["king (rājan)","sage instructor (Pulastya-like)","Aśvamedha horse (visionary)","ṛtvij priests (background)"],"setting":"royal court transitioning into a vast yajña-maṇḍapa vision with altars, flags, and ritual implements","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["royal crimson","ivory white","saffron gold","peacock blue","smoke gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: king seated on a jeweled throne receiving instruction from a sage; behind them a gold-leaf radiant vision of the Aśvamedha—white horse adorned, multiple fire altars, priests with ladles; heavy gold embellishment on crowns, banners, and halos; rich reds/greens and ornate architecture.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: courtly scene with refined faces and delicate textiles; a translucent ‘vision’ panel showing the Aśvamedha ground with the horse and altars; cool blues and soft golds; lyrical landscape beyond the ritual field.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: frontal king and sage with bold outlines; stylized horse and altars in a narrative band behind; strong reds/yellows/greens; patterned banners and ritual geometry emphasized.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ceremonial composition with repeated lotus and banner motifs; central white horse as a sacred emblem; ornate borders, deep blue field with gold; the king and sage smaller, emphasizing the ritual symbol as a devotional icon."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["court ambience hush","conch shell","drum roll (mridanga-like)","fire crackle","chanting undertone"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कस्माद्धिकारणात् = कस्मात् + हि + कारणात्; राजञ्छक्यम् = राजन् + शक्यम्.
FAQs
It emphasizes that the Aśvamedha yields a definite spiritual result, and that a capable ruler should not neglect such a meritorious rite when conditions allow.
Yes. By addressing “O king,” it frames ritual performance as part of rājadharma—using one’s power and resources for sanctioned religious acts believed to benefit the realm and the performer.
It indicates having the necessary qualification, capacity, resources, and favorable circumstances to commission or conduct the sacrifice; the verse questions the rationale for abstaining once these are present.