Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 1
Indra’s Envy at Pṛthu’s Aśvamedha and Brahmā’s Intervention
False Renunciation Exposed
मैत्रेय उवाच अथादीक्षत राजा तु हयमेधशतेन स: । ब्रह्मावर्ते मनो: क्षेत्रे यत्र प्राची सरस्वती ॥ १ ॥
maitreya uvāca athādīkṣata rājā tu hayamedha-śatena saḥ brahmāvarte manoḥ kṣetre yatra prācī sarasvatī
ฤๅษีไมเตรยะกล่าวว่า—โอ้วิดุระ! ต่อมา พระราชาวายนยะปฤถุทรงรับพิธีดีกษาเพื่อประกอบอัศวเมธยัญหนึ่งร้อยครั้ง ณ พรหมาวรรตะ แผ่นดินของมนู ที่ซึ่งแม่น้ำสรัสวตีไหลไปทางทิศตะวันออก
FAQs
This verse indicates Pṛthu’s consecration for many Aśvamedhas as an expression of ideal royal duty (rājadharma), establishing order and prosperity through Vedic rites in a sanctified land.
Brahmāvarta is described here as the sacred region associated with Manu, a highly purified place suitable for major Vedic sacrifices, identified by the presence of the eastward-flowing Sarasvatī.
The shloka highlights intentional spiritual commitment: choosing a sacred, disciplined setting and dedicating oneself to dharmic action—today mirrored by sincere vows, regular sādhana, and service performed with purity of purpose.