Introduction
The Horse Ritual of Emperor Dasharatha is started on the banks of Sarayu River. The details of the arrangements for the participants, and visitors along with some aspects of the Vedic Ritual are narrated.
Verse 1
अथ संवत्सरे पूर्णे तस्मिन् प्राप्ते तुरंगमे |
सरय्वाश्चोत्तरे तीरे राज्ञो यज्ञोऽभ्यवर्तत || १-१४-१
Then after completion of one year and on regaining the ritual horse, the Emperor Dasharatha commenced his Vedic Ritual on the northern banks of River Sarayu. [1-14-1]
1. atha samvatsare puurNe = then, on completion of one year; tasmin praapte turangame = that, on regaining, ritual horse; sarayvaaH uttare tiire = on northern banks of Sarayu river; raaj~naH yaj~naH abhyavartata = emperor commenced ritual.
Verse 2
ऋष्यशृङ्गं पुरस्कृत्य कर्म चक्रुर्द्विजर्षभाः |
अश्वमेधे महायज्ञे राज्ञोऽस्य सुमहात्मनः || १-१४-२
Keeping Rishyasringa at the helm of affairs those eminent Brahmans commenced, ashva-medha , the Horse-ritual of that noble-souled Dasharatha. [1-14-2]
2. sumahaatmanaH = of that well noble-souled king; ashwamedhe mahaayaj~ne raajnaH asya = in great Horse ritual of king; R^iSyashR^ingam puraskR^itya = keeping Rishyasringa at helm of affairs; karma chakruH dvijarSabhaaH = eminent Brahmans commenced works.
Verse 3
कर्म कुर्वन्ति विधिवद्याजका वेदपारगाः |
यथाविधि यथान्यायं परिक्रामन्ति शास्त्रतः || १-१४-३
Those well-versed conductors of Vedic rituals called ritviks , have started to perform works relating to ritual as per canon and rules, and conducted them scripturally and customarily. [1-14-3]
3. yaajakaaH vedapaaragaaH = ritual conductors, well versed in Vedas; karma kurvanti vidhivat = works, performed, customarily; yathaavidhi yathaanyaayam = as per canon, as per rules; parikraamanti shaastrataH = conducted, as per scriptures.
Verse 4
प्रवर्ग्यं शास्त्रतः कृत्वा तथैवोपसदं द्विजाः |
चक्रुश्च विधिवत्सर्वमधिकं कर्म शास्त्रतः || १-१४-४
On performing pravargya ritual as per scriptures, like that upasada ritual too, those Brahmans have customarily performed all of those other rituals incidental to the main one scripturally. [1-14-4]
4. dvijaaH = Brahmans; pravargyam shaastrataH kR^itvaa = on performing pravargya ritual as per scriptures; tathaa eva upasadam = like that, upasada ritual; cha vidhivat = also, customarily on performing; adhikam sarvam karma shaastrataH = many more, all, rituals too, as per scriptures; chakruH = they performed.
Verse 5
अभिपूज्य तदा हृष्टाः सर्वे चक्रुर्यथाविधि |
प्रातःसवनपूर्वाणि कर्माणि मुनिपुंगवाः || १-१४-५
Then all of those distinguished sages are contended with what they have performed by worshipping gods already summoned, they also conducted early morning savana ritual and its ancillaries as enjoined. [1-14-5]
5. tadaa = then; munipungavaaH = distinguished sages; sarve hR^iSTaaH = all of them, are contented with; abhipuujya = worshipping those and those gods; praataH savanapuurvaani karmaani = early morning, savana rituals and its ancillary; yathaavidhi chakruH = performed as enjoined.
Verse 6
ऐन्द्रश्च विधिवद्दत्तो राजा चाभिषुतोऽनघः |
माध्यंदिनं च सवनं प्रावर्तत यथाक्रमम् || १-१४-६
The oblations addressed to Indra are well given as ordained, and the flawless king Dasharatha also crushed the Soma creeper to squeeze Soma juice, and thus the mid-day savana ritual has come to pass according to sequence. [1-14-6]
6. aindraH cha vidhivat dattaH = having given oblations addressed to Indra as ordained; anaghaH raajaa cha = flawless, king, also; abhiSutaH = somarasa creeper, well squeezed for the juice; maadhyandinam savanam = in mid-day, savana ritual; yathaakramam praavartata = has happened as per sequence.
Verse 7
तृतीयसवनं चैव राज्ञोऽस्य सुमहात्मनः |
चक्रुस्ते शास्त्रतो दृष्ट्वा तथा ब्राह्मणपुंगवाः || १-१४-७
Like that those proficient Brahmans have also performed the third savana , ritual of that great-exalted soul Dasharatha according to the viewpoint of scriptures. [1-14-7]
7. tathaa te braahmaNapungavaaH = like that, those, proficient Brahmans; shaastrataH dR^iSTvaa = having examined from the viewpoint of scriptures; sumahaatmanaH asya raaj~naH = of that highly, exalted soul, of that, king; tR^itiiyasavanam cha eva chakruH = third savana ritual, also, like that, they performed.
Verse 8
आह्वयांचक्रिरे तत्र शक्रादीन् विबुधोत्तमान् |
ऋष्यशृङ्गादयो मन्त्रैः शिक्षाक्षरसमन्वितैः || १-१४-८
Rishyasringa and other best scholars with their well lettered and intonated Vedic hymns have invoked Indra and other gods to that place. [1-14-8]
8. R^iSyashR^i~Ngaadayo = Rishyasringa and others; mantraiH = with Vedic hymns; shikShaakSharasamanvitaiH = who have trained letters [those that still retained the pronunciation of letters though trained much earlier]; shakraadiin vibudhottamaan = Indra and other best gods; tatra = to that place; aahvayaamchakrire = invoked.
Verse 9
गीतिभिर्मधुरैः स्निग्धैर्मन्त्राह्वानैर्यथार्हतः |
होतारो ददुरावाह्य हविर्भागान् दिवौकसाम् || १-१४-९
The hotaa -s, invocators, have welcomed the celestials for partaking oblations by singing saama Veda hymns sweetly and harmoniously, and on inviting them with Vedic hymns they have offered oblations to them. [1-14-9]
9. hotaaraH = Hotaa-s, conductors of this invocations; giitibhiH madhuraiH snigdhaiH = with sweet harmonious singing; mantraahvaanaiH yathaarhataH = inviting with hymns, as befitting; aavaahya = having welcomed; divaukasaam haviH bhaagaan daduH = they gave oblations to partaking celestials.
Verse 10
न चाहुतमभूत्तत्र स्खलितं वा न किंचन |
दृश्यते ब्रह्मवत्सर्वं क्षेमयुक्तं हि चक्रिरे || १-१४-१०
There is no unburnt oblation resulted in that fire-ritual nor even a small mishap slipped in the performance of ritual. Everything appeared canonically correct and hymn oriented. Indeed the ritual is performed in a secure way. [1-14-10]
10. tatra = there in the ritual; ahutam = unburnt oblation; na abhuut = not, resulted in; kimchana na skhalitam vaa = a little, not, slipped away, either; sarvam brahmavat dR^ishyate = all, appeared, to be hymn oriented; kShemayuktam chakrire hi = secure, enough, is performed, indeed.
Verse 11
न तेष्वहःसु श्रान्तो वा क्षुधितो वापि दृश्यते |
नाविद्वान् ब्राह्मणस्तत्र नाशतानुचरस्तथा || १-१४-११
In these days of ritual none found there to be weary or hungry, and there is no single unscholarly person, nor any Brahman without at least a hundred apprentices. [1-14-11]
11. teSu ahaHsu = in these, days; shraantaH na dR^ishyate = weary person, not, to be found; kShudhitaH vaa api = hungry person, or, even; avidvaan braahmaNaH = no, unscholarly, Brahman; na = not there; tathaa = likewise; ashataanucharaH = one without, hundred, followers – apprentices; na = not seen; tatra = there.
Verse 12
ब्राह्मणा भुञ्जते नित्यं नाथवन्तश्च भुञ्जते |
तापसा भुञ्जते चापि श्रमणाश्चैव भुञ्जते || १-१४-१२
Given anytime the Brahmans, servants, sages, and pilgrims are fed with food for their arrival at the place of boarding is unpredictable, and that arrival is dependent on their duties for Brahmans, and by their masters for servants, and for pilgrims that do not have a particular time of arrival or departure. [1-14-12]
12. braahmanaaH bhunjate nityam = Brahmans, fed, anytime; naathavantaH = having masters[persons who have their masters i.e., servants]; bhunjate = are fed; taapasaaH bhunjate cha api = sages, are fed, also, even; shramaNaaH cha eva bhunjate tathaa = pilgrims, also, thus, are fed, like that.
Verse 13
वृद्धाश्च व्याधिताश्चैव स्त्रियो बालास्तथैव च |
अनिशं भुञ्जमानानां न तृप्तिरुपलभ्यते || १-१४-१३
Elderly people, sick ones, women and children though dining on always thus, no satisfaction to complete the meal is attained for themselves, as the food served is that pleasant.
13. vR^iddhaaH cha vyaadhitaaH cha eva = elderly people, sick ones, also, thus; striyaH baalaaH tathaa eva cha = women, children, like that, only; anisham bhunjamaanaanaam = always, dining on thus; na tR^iptiH upalabhyate = no satisfaction to complete the meal is attained.
Verse 14
दीयतां दीयतामन्नं वासांसि विविधानि च |
इति संचोदितास्तत्र तथा चक्रुरनेकशः || १-१४-१४
“Food be given abundantly, clothing be given variously” are the directives, accordingly the king’s men have distributed numerously there at the ritual place. [1-14-14]
14. diiyataam diiyataam annam = ‘Be given, Be given’ food; vaasaamsi vividhaani cha = clothing, variously, also; iti tatra samchoditaaH = thus, there, directed by; tathaa chakruH anekashaH = accordingly, done [distributed,] in many ways.
Verse 15
अन्नकूटाश्च दृश्यन्ते बहवो पर्वतोपमाः |
दिवसे दिवसे तत्र सिद्धस्य विधिवत्तदा || १-१४-१५
Heaps of foodstuffs are also appearing there, many of them and mountain similar, which is made available customarily, day after day. [1-14-15]
15. tatra tadaa = there, thus; vidhivat siddhasya annakuuTaaH = customarily, heaps of food stuff made available; bahavaH parvatopamaaH = many, mountain similar; divase divase = day by day; dR^ishyante = are appearing.
Verse 16
नानादेशादनुप्राप्ताः पुरुषाः स्त्रीगणास्तथा |
अन्नपानैः सुविहितास्तस्मिन्यज्ञे महात्मनः || १-१४-१६
To that ritual of that great-souled Dasharatha masses of men and women have arrived from different countries, and they are all well-pleased with the sumptuous food and drink supplied. [1-14-16]
16. mahaatmanaH = of great-soul Dasharatha’s; tasmin yaj~ne = in that, ritual; naanaadeshaat anupraaptaaH = arrived from different countries; puruSaaH tathaa striigaNaaH = men and women in masses; annapaanaiH suvihitaaH = food and drinks, well pleased.
Verse 17
अन्नं हि विधिवत्स्वादु प्रशंसन्ति द्विजर्षभाः |
अहो तृप्ताः स्म भद्रं त इति शुश्राव राघवः || १-१४-१७
“The eminent Brahmans have appreciated the food that is prepared by perfect cooking to be relishable, and it is heard as they said, “oh, Raghava, blessed are you for we are satisfied…” [1-14-17]
17. dvijarSabhaaH = the eminent Brahmans; vidhivat = systematically – prepared by perfect cooking; svaadu annam prashamshanti = appreciated relishable food; aho raaghavaH = oh, Raghu’s descendent – Dasharatha; tR^iptaaH sma = satisfied, are we; bhadram te = blessed, are you; iti = thus; shushraava = heard.
Verse 18
स्वलंकृताश्च पुरुषा ब्राह्मणान्पर्यवेषयन् |
उपासते च तानन्ये सुमृष्टमणिकुण्डलाः || १-१४-१८
Well-decorated men have served food to Brahmans, while others who wore gem-studded and lustrous earrings have helped them. [1-14-18]
18. svaalankritaaH puruSaaH = well decorated, men [caterers]; braahmaNaan paryaveSayan = served food to the Brahmans; sumR^iSTamanikuNDalaaH = having lustre well decorated, gem-studded, earrings [worn by those helpers]; anye cha = others, also; upaasate taan = helped, them.
Verse 19
कर्मान्तरे तदा विप्रा हेतुवादान्बहूनपि |
प्राहुः स्म वाग्मिनो धीराः परस्परजिगीषया || १-१४-१९
Those eminent Brahmans that are good debaters have debated many intellectual debates to defeat each other, during the gap-periods of ritual works. [1-14-19]
19. tadaa dhiiraaH vipraaH = then, intellectual, Brahmans; karmaantare = rituals in interludes; parasparajigiiShayaa = to defeat each other; bahuun hetuvaadan = many, intellectual debates – arts of reasoning; sma vaagminaH praahuH = good debaters, have debated.
Verse 20
दिवसे दिवसे तत्र संस्तरे कुशला द्विजाः |
सर्वकर्माणि चक्रुस्ते यथाशास्त्रं प्रचोदिताः || १-१४-२०
Day by day those expert Brahmans have performed all ritual works as encouraged by Vashishta, and others and as contained in scriptures. [1-14-20]
20. samstare = in ritual; te kushalaaH dwijaaH = those, expert, Brahmans; divase divase tatra = day by day, there; prachoditaaH = encouraged by [Vashishta and others]; sarvakarmaaNi = all works; yathaashaastram = according to scriptures; chakruH = have performed.
Verse 21
नाषडङ्गविदत्रासीत् नाव्रतो नाबहुश्रुतः |
सदस्यास्तस्य वै राज्ञो नावादकुशला द्विजाः || १-१४-२१
There is no scholar without the knowledge of the six branches of Vedas, none who is an unavowed scholar, none who heard learnt less scriptures, and none among the members of the ritual of that king Dasharatha is an inexpert in debating, thus all are scholarly Brahmans. [1-14-21]
21. atra = there; aSaDangavit = not knower of six branches; na asiit = is not, there; avrataH = non-vowed scholar; na = not there; abahushrutaH = not heard in many [scriptures] ; na = not there; tasya raaj~naH sadasyaaH = that, king’s, members of ritual; avaadakushalaaH [vaade akushalaaH] = inexperts in debating; na vai = not there, indeed.
Verse 22,23
प्राप्ते यूपोच्छ्रये तस्मिन् षड्बैल्वाः खादिरास्तथा |
तावन्तो बिल्वसहिताः पर्णिनश्च तथापरे || १-१४-२२
श्लेष्मातकमयो दिष्टो देवदारुमयस्तथा |
द्वावेव तत्र विहितौ बाहुव्यस्तपरिग्रहौ || १-१४-२३
When the time came to stake wooden ritual posts, six posts of bilwa wood, six posts of khadira wood, and further the same number of posts of parnina wood are staked. One post of sleshmaataka wood and two of devadaaru wood as stipulated are staked. Then the distance between each post is maintained at the length of extended arms. [1-14-22,23]
22,23. tasmin = in ritual; yuupocChraye praapte sati = when neared staking time of wooden ritual posts; SaDbailwaaH = six Bilwa wood stakes [Egle Marmelos]; tathaa = like that; bilwasahitaaH = nearer to Bilwa posts; taavantaH = same number of; khaadiraaH = posts of Khadira wood [Mimosa catech]; tathaa = like that; parNinaH cha apare = posts of Parnina wood [Butea frondosa,] also, further; [eka] SleshmaatakamayaH [Gorida myxa] = [one,] post of Sleshmaataka wood; tathaa = like that; devadaarumayaH = posts of Devadaaru wood [Uvaria longifolia,] [two posts, generally these posts are staked]; tatra = there; dwau eva baahuvyastaparigrahou = two, thus, at the length of extended arms; vihitou diSTaH = as stipulated, are staked.
Verse 24
कारिताः सर्व एवैते शास्त्रज्ञैर्यज्ञकोविदैः |
शोभार्थं तस्य यज्ञस्य कांचनालंकृताभवन् || १-१४-२४
All of those the posts are made by the authorities on scriptures and ritual scholars, and they are gold-pleated and decorated for the purpose of elegance to that ritual. [1-14-24]
24. shaastraj~naiH yaj~nakovidaiH kaaritaaH = they are made by the authorities on scriptures and ritual scholars; te sarve eva = they, all, thus; tasya yaj~nasya = of that, ritual; shobhaartham = purpose of elegance; kaanchanaalankR^itaaH abhavan = they [posts] became gold-pleated, decorated.
Verse 25
एकविंशतियूपास्ते एकविंशत्यरत्नयः |
वासोभिरेकविंशद्भिरेकैकं समलंकृताः || १-१४-२५
They are altogether twenty-one posts, each post is twenty-one cubits in height, and each is decoratively clothed with each cloth. [1-14-25]
25. ekavimshati aratnayaH = having twenty-one, cubits – elbow to fingertip measure in height; ekavimshati yuupaaH te = twenty-one posts, they are; ekavimshadbhiH vaasobhiH = with twenty-one, cloths; ekaikam samalankR^itaaH = one to each post, decorated.
Verse 26
विन्यस्ता विधिवत्सर्वे शिल्पिभिः सुकृता दृढाः |
अष्टाश्रयः सर्व एव श्लक्ष्णरूपसमन्विताः || १-१४-२६
Carpenters have carved all the posts well, and built them strongly with octahedral surfaces that are smoothened, and thereby they are implanted procedurally. [1-14-26]
26. sarve = all of them; shilpibhiH sukR^itaaH = well carved by carpenters; dR^iDhaaH = strongly built; aSTaashrayaH = are with octahedral surfaces; shlakSNaruupasamanvitaaH = having smoothened surface shapes; sarve eva = all, thus; vinyasthaaH vidhivat = procedurally implanted.
Verse 27
आच्छादितास्ते वासोभिः पुष्पैर्गन्धैश्च पूजिताः |
सप्तर्षयो दीप्तिमन्तो विराजन्ते यथा दिवि || १-१४-२७
Those posts draped in cloths and worshipped with flowers and perfumery are irradiant, and they shone forth like the constellation of Seven Sages in the sky. [1-14-27]
27. vaasobhiH aacChaaditaaH = draped with cloths; te = them; puShpaiH gandhaiH cha puujitaaH = worshipped with flowers and perfumery; te diiptimantaH = they, having irradiance; divi saptarSayaH yathaa = as with Seven Sages in sky; viraajante = they shone forth.
Verse 28
इष्टकाश्च यथान्यायं कारिताश्च प्रमाणतः |
चितोऽग्निर्ब्राह्मणैस्तत्र कुशलैः शिल्पकर्मणि || १-१४-२८
The bricks for Altar of Fire are well designed and made according to rules and standard measurements. The Brahmans who are experts in the architecture of laying Fire Altar, by calculating the ritual field with a one-ply rope and decide where and how the that shall be, the Altar of Fire is layered well with bricks in that ritual. [1-14-28]
28. tatra = in that ritual; yathaanyaayam pramaaNataH cha = according to rules, according to standard measurements, also; iSTakaaH kaaritaaH = bricks, are made; shilpakarmaNi = by architects [particular priest-architects of Vedic rituals; or shulbakarmaNi = by those that calculate the area of altar with a single-stranded thread called shulba]; kushalaiH braahmaNaiH agniH chitaH = Altar of Fire layered by expert Brahmans.
Verse 29
स चित्यो राजसिंहस्य संचितः कुशलैर्द्विजैः |
गरुडो रुक्मपक्षो वै त्रिगुणोऽष्टादशात्मकः || १-१४-२९
That Altar of Fire of that King, the Lion, is layered by expert Brahmans in the shape of an eagle with golden wings, with its size being three folds bigger than the altars of other rituals, thus it has eighteen separators, and fire is laid on it. [1-14-29]
29. kushalaiH dwijaiH = by expert Brahmans; rukmapakShaH = eagle [shaped] with golden wings; triguNaH = three times more [ than usual] triple sized; aSTaadashaatmakaH = eighteen in number, having eighteen separators; garuDaH = eagle fire altar; saH raajasimhasya = of that, lion like king’s; samchitaH = ever with fire; cityaH = the fire laid on such an altar of fire layered as above.
Verse 30
नियुक्तास्तत्र पशवस्तत्तदुद्दिश्य दैवतम् |
उरगाः पक्षिणश्चैव यथाशास्त्रं प्रचोदिताः || १-१४-३०
In that ritual animals, serpents and birds designated to such and such deities are readied according to the scriptural directives. [1-14-30]
30. tatra = in that ritual; yathaashaastram prachoditaaH = as per the scriptural, directives; pashavaH uragaaH pakShiNaH cha eva = animals, serpents, birds, also, thus; tat tat daivatam uddishya = designated to that and that deity; niyuktaaH = are readied.
Verse 31
शामित्रे तु हयस्तत्र तथा जलचराश्च ये |
ऋषिभिः सर्वमेवैतन्नियुक्तं शास्त्रतस्तदा || १-१४-३१
The sages have arranged those animals that are to be there in animal sacrifices, like horse and other aquatic animals, in that ritual according to scriptures. [1-14-31]
31. shaamitre tu = in animal sacrifices, but; tatra = there; hayaH tathaa ye jalacharaaH = horse, like that, those, water animals [are to be there, them]; sarvam eva etat = all, of them; tadaa = then; R^iSibhiH niyuktam shaastrataH = arranged by sages, as per scriptures.
Verse 32
पशूनां त्रिशतं तत्र यूपेषु नियतं तदा |
अश्वरत्नोत्तमं तस्य राज्ञो दशरथस्य च || १-१४-३२
Three hundred animals are tied to the ritual posts, along with the gemlike best ritual horse of that King Dasharatha. [1-14-32]
32. tadaa = then; tatra = in that ritual; trishatam pashuunaam = three hundred, animals; tasya raaj~naH ashwaratnottamam = that, king Dasharatha’s, gemlike best horse; yuupeSu niyatam = arranged [tied] to wooden posts.
Verse 33
कौसल्या तं हयं तत्र परिचर्य समंततः |
कृपाणैर्विशशासैनं त्रिभिः परमया मुदा || १-१४-३३
With great delight coming on her Queen Kausalya reverently made circumambulations to the horse, and symbolically killed the horse with three knives. [1-14-33]
33. tatra = in that ritual; kausalyaa = Queen Kausalya; tam hayam = that, horse; samantataH paricharya = on making circumambulations all around; paramayaa mudaa = with great, delight; tribhiH kR^ipaaNaiH = with three, knives; vishashaasa enam = killed, that one – the horse.
Verse 34
पतत्रिणा तदा सार्धं सुस्थितेन च चेतसा |
अवसद्रजनीमेकां कौसल्या धर्मकाम्यया || १-१४-३४
Queen Kausalya desiring the results of ritual disconcertedly resided one night with that horse that flew away like a bird. [1-14-34]
34. kausalyaa = Queen Kausalya; susthitena cha chetasaa = with composed heart – impassively; dharmakaamaayaa = dharma, desiring for achieving results; patatriNaa saardham = with horse, for results; [where patatri = also means a bird, one that swiftly flew away like a bird; the sacrificed ritual horse is equated with the Divine Eagle garuDa – that conducts the oblations;] ekaam rajaniim avasat = one, night, she resided with that horse that flew away.
Verse 35
होताध्वर्युस्तथोद्गाता हस्तेन समयोजयन् |
महिष्या परिवृत्त्या च वावातामपरां तथा || १-१४-३५
Thus, the officiating priests of the ritual, namely hotaa adhwaryu and udgaataa have received in their hand the Crowned Queen, the neglected wife, and a concubine of the king, next as a symbolic donation in the ritual by the performer, the king. [1-14-35]
35. [atha = then;] hotaadhvaryuH tathaa udgaataa = hotaa, adhwaryu, thus, udgaataa, [the three officiating priests of the ritual]; mahiSyaa parivR^ittyaa = crowned queen, neglected wife of king; vaavaataam cha = concubine of king, also; aparaam tathaa = next, thus; hastena samayojayan = took by hand.
Verse 36
पतत्रिणस्तस्य वपामुद्धृत्य नियतेन्द्रियः |
ऋत्विक् परमसंपन्नः श्रपयामास शास्त्रतः || १-१४-३६
Then the priest, one with controlled senses and rich in scriptural wealth, took up the omentum [fat] of the horse and cooked it as per scriptures while dropping into the altar of fire to bake as a food to the celestials. [1-14-36]
36. udhR^itya niyatendriyaH = took up, one with controlled senses; patatriNaH tasya vapaam = horse’s, fat [omentum]; R^itwik paramasampannaH = ritwik [priest,] very wealthy in knowledge; shrapayaamaasa shaastrataH = cooked, as per scriptures.
Verse 37
धूमगन्धं वपायास्तु जिघ्रति स्म नराधिपः |
यथाकालं यथान्यायं निर्णुदन् पापमात्मनः || १-१४-३७
The king Dasharatha smelt the smell of smoke as per time and procedure to cleanse his own sin. [1-14-37]
37. naraadhipaH = King; yathaakaalam yathaanyaayam = as per time, as per procedure; nirNudan paapam aatmanaH = to cleanse, his own sin; dhuumagandham vapaayaaH tu = smoke’s smell, of fat [omentum being cooked]; jighrati sma = he was smelling.
Verse 38
हयस्य यानि चांगानि तानि सर्वाणि ब्राह्मणाः |
अग्नौ प्रास्यन्ति विधिवत् समस्ताः षोडशर्त्विजः || १-१४-३८
Those remaining body parts that horse are there, the sixteen officiating priests have procedurally oblated all of them into fire. [1-14-38]
38. hayasya yaani angaani = which body-parts of horse are there; taani sarvaaNi = they, all of them; samastaaH braahmanaaH = all, Brahmans; ShodashartwijaH = sixteen priests; vidhivat agnou praasyanti = procedurally, oblated in fire.
Verse 39
प्लक्षशाखासु यज्ञानामन्येषां क्रियते हविः |
अश्वमेधस्य यज्ञस्य वैतसो भाग इष्यते || १-१४-३९
In other rituals the oblations will be offered into sacrificial fire with spoon-like sticks of plaksha tree, but in Horse-sacrifice ritual they are offered through the vetasa creeper, a rattan plant, cane. [1-14-39]
39. anyeSaam yaj~naanaam = in other, rituals; haviH plakSashaakhaasu kriyate = oblation will be done with the branches of plaksha [Ficus Venosa] tree; ashwamedhasya yaj~nasya bhaagaH = oblation of Horse sacrifice ritual; vaitasaH iSyate = is to be done with Vaitasa creeper.
Verse 40
त्र्यहोऽश्वमेधः संख्यातः कल्पसूत्रेण ब्राह्मणैः |
चतुष्टोममहस्तस्य प्रथमं परिकल्पितम् || १-१४-४०
The Horse Ritual is to be performed for three days as laid down in kalpasutra-s, the rules governing such rituals, and by braahmaNa-s, the penultimate parts of Veda-s, and the one performed on the first day is called chatuSToma ritual. [1-14-40]
40. braahmaNaiH = by penultimate parts of Veda-s; kalpasuutreNa = according to kalpa rules; tryahaH = for three days; ashwamedhaH samkhyaataH = Horse ritual, is said [ to be performed]; tasya prathamam ahaH chatuSTomaH parikalpitam = chatuhSToma is arranged on its first day.
Verse 41
उक्थ्यं द्वितीयं संख्यातमतिरात्रं तथोत्तरम् |
कारितास्तत्र बहवो विहिताः शास्त्रदर्शनात् || १-१४-४१
The ritual on the second day is called ukthyam , and the next one performed on third day is called atiraatra. These apart many of the preordained rituals are performed there in that ritual as envisaged in scriptures. [1-14-41]
41. dvitiiyam ukthyam = second one, is ukthyam; tathaa uttaram atiraatram samkhyaatam = likewise, later one, said to be as atiraatra; tatra = in that ritual; shaastradarshanaat = as scriptures, have envisaged; vihitaaH bahavaH kaaritaaH = as ordained, many, have been performed.
Verse 42
ज्योतिष्टोमायुषी चैवमतिरात्रौ विनिर्मितौ |
अभिजिद्विश्वजिच्चैवमप्तोर्यामो महाक्रतुः || १-१४-४२
The rituals called jyothiSToma, aayuSi, and atiraatra rituals are performed. And also rituals of great kind like abhijit, vishwajit, aptoryaama are performed. [1-14-42]
42. jyothiSTomaayuSii = jyothiSToma-fire ritual, aayuSi yaaga-Longevity ritual; evam = like that; atiraatrou vinirmitou = atiraatri rituals, performed; abhijit vishwajit evam = abhijit ritual, vishwajit rituals, thus; aptoryaamaH mahaakratuH = great ritual aptoryaama are conducted.
Verse 43 & 44
प्राचीं होत्रे ददौ राजा दिशं स्वकुलवर्धनः
अध्वर्यवे प्रतीचीं तु ब्रह्मणे दक्षिणां दिशम् || १-१४-४३
उद्गात्रे च ततोदीचीं दक्षिणैषा विनिर्मिता |
अश्वमेधे महायज्ञे स्वयंभुविहिते पुरा || १-१४-४४
As the promoter of his own dynasty that king Dasharatha donated eastern side to hotaa, western to adhvaryu, and southern to brahmaa. And to udgaataa northern side is given in donation. These were the donations stipulated in that great ritual, ashwamedha, by the Self-Created Brahma from earlier times. [1-14-44,43]
43,44. svakulavardhanaH = developer of his own dynasty [to promote his own dynasty]; raajaa = king; hotre praachiim disham dadau = east side donated to hota; adhvaryave pratiichiim tu = to adhvaryu, west [side,] and; brahmaNe dakShiNaam disham = to Brahma, southward, direction; tathaa = thus; udgaatre udiichiim = to udgaataa, northern side gave away; puraa svayambhuvihite = earlier, by the Self-Created Brahma, as ordained; ashwamedhe mahaayaj~ne = in aswamedha, great ritual; eSaa dakshiNaa vinirmitaa = this way, donation, built [stipulated].
Verse 45
क्रतुं समाप्य तु तदा न्यायतः पुरुषर्षभः |
ऋत्विग्भ्यो हि ददौ राजा धरां तां कुलवर्धनः || १-१४-४५
On completing the ritual thus that best man Dasharatha justifiably donated those lands to the officiating priests, called ritwiks, to promote his dynasty. [1-14-45]
45. pursharSabhaH raajaa = the best man, king Dasharatha; kulavardhanaH = promoter of dynasty; kratum samaapya = on completion of ritual; tadaa nyaayataH = then, justifiably; taam dharaam R^itvigbhyaH dadou = donated those lands to ritwiks.
Verse 46
एवं दत्त्वा प्रहृष्टोऽभूत् श्रीमानिक्ष्वाकुनन्दनः |
ऋत्विजस्त्वब्रुवन् सर्वे राजानं गतकिल्बिषम् || १-१४-४६
Thus on giving away the vast expanses of his kingdom he that glorious one born in Ikshvaku dynasty is gladdened, but all the officiating priests said to the king who by now is rid of his sins. [1-14-46]
46. evam dattvaa = thus, having given; shriimaan ikShvaakunandanaH = that glorious one, born in Ikshvaku dynasty; prahR^iSTaH abhuut = gladdened, he became; tu = but; sarve R^itwijaH = all, officiating priests; raajaanam gatakilbiSam = to king, who by now is rid of sin; abruvan = said.
.
Verse 47
भवानेव महीं कृत्स्नामेको रक्षितुमर्हति |
न भूम्या कार्यमस्माकं न हि शक्ताः स्म पालने || १-१४-४७
“You alone are capable to protect the earth in its entirety, and there is no use for us with these lands, and we are not capable to rule it, either.” Thus the priests are addressing the king. [1-14-47]
47. bhavaan ekaH eva = you, alone, only; kR^itsnaam mahiim rakSitum arhati = capable to protect entire earth; asmaakam bhuumyaa na kaaryam = for us, no work with lands; na paalane shaktaaH sma = we are not capable in ruling.
Verse 48
रताः स्वाध्यायकरणे वयं नित्यं हि भूमिप |
निष्क्रयं किंचिदेवेह प्रयच्छतु भवानिति || १-१४-४८
“We are always preoccupied with self-study and teaching of scriptures, oh, king, thus you may give us something else in barter, any modest thing. ” [1-14-48]
48. vayam nityam = we, always; svaadhyaayakaraNe = in self study of teachings; rataaH = preoccupied; bhavaan = you; bhuumipa = oh land ruler; iha = in this aspect; kimchit niSkrayam = something, price [any modest thing]; prayacChatu iti = now, be given, by thus.
Verse 49
मणिरत्नं सुवर्णं वा गावो यद्वा समुद्यतम् |
तत्प्रयच्छ नरश्रेष्ठ धरण्या न प्रयोजनम् || १-१४-४९
“Let best gems, gold, or cows or anything else that is available you may give us, what is the use of these vast expanses to us.” So said the scholars. [1-14-49]
49. narashreSTa = the best man; maNiratnam suvarNam vaa = best gems, gold, or; gaavaH yat vaa samudyatam = cows, whatever, else, [whatever that is,] available; tat prayacCha = that, you may give; dharaNyaa prayojanam na = no use with vast expanses.
Verse 50 & 51a
एवमुक्तो नरपतिर्ब्राह्मणैर्वेदपारगैः |
गवां शतसहस्राणि दश तेभ्यो ददौ नृपः || १-१४-५०
दशकोटीः सुवर्णस्य रजतस्य चतुर्गुणम् |
The king Dasharatha, the lord of people, thus requested by the scholarly Vedic Brahmans gave them millions of cows, ten of ten million gold coins, and the silver four times thereof. [1-14-50, 51a]
50, 51a. narapatiH = people’s lord; nR^ipaH = that king; vedapaaragaiH braahmaNaiH = by scholarly Vedic Brahmans; evam uktaH = thus, one who is said so the king; tebhyaH = to them; gavaam dasha shatasahasraaNi = cows, ten, hundred thousand, [ten lakhs i.e., 10,00,000, a million]; suvarNasya = of gold [coins]; dashakotiiH = ten million; rajatasya chaturguNam = silver [coins,] four times [of gold coins]; dadau = he gave.
Verse 51b & 52a
ऋत्विजश्च ततः सर्वे प्रददुः सहिता वसु || १-१४-५१
ऋष्यशृङ्गाय मुनये वसिष्ठाय च धीमते |
Then all those officiating priests collectively gave that wealth to sage Rishyasringa and to the enlightened sage Vashishta. [1-14-51b, 52a]
51b, 52a. tataH ritwijaH sarve sahitaaH = then, all officiating priests collectively; vasu = that wealth; R^iSyasR^ingaaya munaye vashiSThaaya cha dhiimate = to Rishyasringa, also to enlightened Sage Vashishta; pradaduH = they gave.
Verse 52b & 53a
ऋत्विजश्च ततः सर्वे प्रददुः सहिता वसु || १-१४-५१
ऋष्यशृङ्गाय मुनये वसिष्ठाय च धीमते |
Then all those officiating priests collectively gave that wealth to sage Rishyasringa and to the enlightened sage Vashishta. [1-14-51b, 52a]
51b, 52a. tataH ritwijaH sarve sahitaaH = then, all officiating priests collectively; vasu = that wealth; R^iSyasR^ingaaya munaye vashiSThaaya cha dhiimate = to Rishyasringa, also to enlightened Sage Vashishta; pradaduH = they gave.
Verse 53b & 54a
ततः प्रसर्पकेभ्यस्तु हिरण्यं सुसमाहितः || १-१४-५३
जांबूनदं कोटिसंंख्यं ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददौ तदा |
Then to the other Brahmans who arrived there to see the ritual, King Dasharatha sincerly donated ten million gold coins. [1-14-53b, 54a]
53b, 54a. tataH = thereafter; tadaa = then; susamaahitaH = sincerly [the king]; prasarpakebhyaH braahmaNebhyaH = to those Brahmans who have come to see the ritual; kotisamkhyam = one crore [ten million] in number; jaambuunadam = [the gold that has come out] of Jambu river; hiraNyam = coins; dadau = donated.
Verse 54b & 55a
दरिद्राय द्विजायाथ हस्ताभरणमुत्तमम् || १-१४-५४
कस्मैचिद्याचमानाय ददौ राघवनंदनः |
That descendent of Raghava dynasty gave an excellent hand ornament to someone who is an impoverished Brahman and who is beseeching. [1-14-54a, 55a]
54b, 55a. atha = then; raaghavanandanaH = Raghava’s descendent; yaachamaanaaya kasmaichit daridraaya dwijaaya = impoverished Brahman someone who is beseeching; uttamam hastaabharaNam dadau = excellent, hand’s ornament, gave.
Verse 55b & 56a
ततः प्रीतेषु विधिवत् द्विजेषु द्विजवत्सलः || १-१४-५५
प्रणाममकरोत्तेषां हर्षव्याकुलितेन्द्रियः |
While those Brahmans are becoming happy then that king and the patron of Brahmans venerated them dutifully with his senses fluttering with happiness. [1-14-55b, 56a]
55b, 56a. tataH = then; dwijavatsalaH = patron of Brahmans-Dasharatha; dwijeSu priiteSu satsu = while Brahmans are happy; harSavyaakulitendriyaH = senses fluttering with happiness [coming on]; teSaam vidhivat praNaamam akarot = he made veneration dutifully to them .
Verse 56b & 57a
तस्याशिषोऽथ विविधा ब्राह्मणैः समुदाहृताः || १-१४-५६
उदारस्य नृवीरस्य धरण्यां पतितस्य च |
Then that benevolent and valiant King Dasharatha prostrated on ground venerating the Brahmans, and the Brahmans too chanted various blessing hymns on that prostrating king. [1-14-56b, 57a]
56b, 57a. atha = then; udaarasya nR^iviirasya = benevolent, valiant king; dharaNyaam patitasya = who is prostrating on ground; tasya = for him; braahmaNaiH vividhaa aashiSaH samudaahR^itaaH = various blessings are chanted by Brahmans.
Verse 57b & 58a
ततः प्रीतमना राजा प्राप्य यज्ञमनुत्तमम् || १-१४-५७
पापापहं स्वर्नयनं दुस्तरं पार्थिवर्षभैः |
Then that king is gladdened at heart for the successful achievement of the completion of that excellent ritual that removes sin and that leads to heaven as well, and that which cannot be undertaken by many of the best kings. [1-14-57b, 58a]
57b, 58a. tataH raajaa = then, king; paapaapaham swarnayanam = removing sin, leading to heaven; paarthivarSabhaiH dustaram = impossible to undertake by best kings; anuttamam yaj~nam = excellent, ritual; praapya = having achieved; priitamanaaH = gladdened at heart [abhavat = he became.]
Verse 58b & 59a
ततोऽब्रवीदृष्यशृंगं राजा दशरथस्तदा || १-१४-५८
कुलस्य वर्धनं त्वं तु कर्तुमर्हसि सुव्रत |
Thereafter king Dasharatha said to sage Rishyasringa thus, “oh, sage with best vows, you alone are eligible to perform the ritual for the expansion of my dynasty.” [1-14-58b, 59a]
58b, 59a. tataH = thereafter; raajaa dasharathaH = king, Dasharatha; tadaa = then; R^iSyasR^ingam abraviit = said to Rishyasringa; suvrata = oh one with best vows; tvam tu = you, alone; kulasya vardhanam = dynasty’s, expansion [oriented ritual]; kartum arhasi = it is apt of you to perform.
Verse 60
स तस्य वाक्यं मधुरं निशम्य
प्रणम्य तस्मै प्रयतो नृपेन्द्र |
जगाम हर्षं परमं महात्मा
तं ऋष्यशृङ्गं पुनरप्युवाच || १-१४-६०
On hearing the sweet words of Sage Rishyasringa, he that king of kings Dasharatha went into a state of ecstasy and venerating that great soul, Rishyasringa, again said this to him. [1-14-60]
60. saH tasya vaakyam madhuram nishamya = he [the king,] on hearing sweet words of his [Sage’s]; saH nR^ipendraH = he, that king of kings; jagaama harSam paramam mahaatmaa = great-souled went into very much gladness; praNamya tasmai prayataH = venerating, to him, again; tam R^iSyashR^i~Ngam punaH api uvaacha = to him, to Rishyasringa, again said.
Verse 59b & c
तथेति च स राजानमुवाच द्विजसत्तमः |
भविष्यन्ति सुता राजंश्चत्वारस्ते कुलोद्वहाः || १-१४-५९
That best Brahman Rishyasringa saying yes to the proposal, said this to king Dasharatha, “oh, king, there will be four sons to you that ennoble your dynasty. [1-14-59b, c]
59b, c. dwijasattamaH = the best Brahmin; tathaa iti = like that only; raajaanam uvaacha = said to king; raajan = oh king; te kulodvahaH = to ennoble your dynasty; chatvaaraH sutaaH bhaviSyanti = there will be four sons.
