Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 14, Shloka 37
अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः
Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha
प्लक्षशाखासु यज्ञानामन्येषां क्रियते हवि:।अश्वमेधस्य यज्ञस्य वैतसो भाग इष्यते।।।।
plakṣaśākhāsu yajñānām anyeṣāṃ kriyate haviḥ |
aśvamedhasya yajñasya vaitaso bhāga iṣyate ||
इतर यज्ञांत प्लक्षवृक्षाच्या फांद्यांनी हवि-क्रिया केली जाते; परंतु अश्वमेध यज्ञात शास्त्रानुसार वैतस (बेंत)चा भागच विहित मानला आहे।
In other sacrifices oblations are offered with branches of a plaksha tree but in Aswamedha a branch of cane creeper is chosen instead.
FAQs
Dharma is context-sensitive rightness: different rites have different correct instruments, and righteousness lies in honoring the specific rule that fits the specific sacrifice.
The text notes a technical distinction in offerings/instruments between common sacrifices and the specialized Aśvamedha.
Respect for tradition and precision—knowing and applying the correct rule in the correct context.