Shloka 4
Traigarta Attempt to Seize the Aśvamedha Horse; Arjuna’s Restraint and Tactical Victory
स राजा धर्मराड् राजन् दीक्षितो विबभौ तदा | हेममाली रुक्मकण्ठ: प्रदीप्त इव पावक:
sa rājā dharmarāḍ rājan dīkṣito vibabhau tadā | hemamālī rukmakaṇṭhaḥ pradīpta iva pāvakaḥ ||
毗舍摩波耶那说道：大王啊，那时法王由提施提罗既已为祭礼受灌顶，便光彩照人——佩戴金色花鬘与金项饰——宛如烈火炽燃。此颂强调：君王之光辉根植于法（dharma）与受戒的仪轨自律，而非仅凭权势。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s true brilliance is tied to dharma and self-discipline: the consecration (dīkṣā) symbolizes restraint, purity, and responsibility, making royal splendour an outward sign of inner ethical order.
As the Aśvamedha preparations proceed, Yudhiṣṭhira undergoes ritual consecration and is described as radiant, adorned with gold ornaments, shining like a blazing fire—marking the solemn commencement of the sacrificial rite.