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 ||
同样，北方也作为祭礼之赐（dakṣiṇā）分配给歌咏萨摩的Udgātṛ祭司；这种祭赐的制度，早在久远之前便为伟大的马祭（Aśvamedha）所确立，乃自生者（梵天，Brahmā）所敕定。
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.