Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 14, Shloka 42
अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः
Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha
प्राचीं होत्रे ददौ राजा दिशं स्वकुलवर्धन:।अध्वर्यवे प्रतीचीं तु ब्रह्मणे दक्षिणां दिशम्।।1.14.41।।उद्गात्रे च तथोदीचीं दक्षिणैषा विनिर्मिता।हयमेधे महायज्ञे स्वयंभूविहिते पुरा।।1.14.42।।
udgātre ca tathodīcīṃ dakṣiṇaiṣā vinirmitā |
hayamedhe mahāyajñe svayaṃbhūvihite purā ||
Và cũng vậy, phương Bắc được ban cho vị Udgātṛ. Cách định lễ vật như thế đã từ xưa được an lập cho đại tế Aśvamedha, theo sự chế định của Đấng Tự Sinh (Brahmā).
In order to promote his dynasty, king Dasaratha gave away eastern region to Hotar, western region to Adhvaryu, southern region to Brahma and northern region to Udgata. These offerings were made in accordance with theprescriptions by Brahma long all.
FAQs
Dharma is fidelity to śāstric tradition: gifts and ritual roles are not arbitrary but anchored in ancient ordinance, linking personal action to collective sacred order.
The narration explains the traditional allocation of quarters as dakṣiṇā in the Aśvamedha and attributes its authority to Brahmā’s primordial prescription.
Daśaratha’s respect for established sacred norms—he performs the rite without improvisation or deviation.