Sarga 8: Dasaratha Resolves to Perform the Horse-Sacrifice

Ashvamedha Sankalpa

Childless and longing for an heir, Dasaratha resolves on a horse-sacrifice, summons his priests and ministers to prepare it, and asks his queens to begin the ritual discipline.

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Page 3 of 322 shlokas in this sarga (verified max-across-sources)

Shloka 8.23Word-by-word available

ततस्स गत्वा ता:पत्नीर्नरेन्द्रो हृदयप्रिया:। उवाच दीक्षां विशत यक्ष्येऽहं सुतकारणात्।।1.8.23।।

Meaning

Then the king went to his beloved wives and said: "I intend to perform a sacrifice for the sake of sons — enter now into the religious discipline."

Shloka 8.24Word-by-word available

तासां तेनातिकान्तेन वचनेन सुवर्चसाम्। मुखपद्मान्यशोभन्त पद्मानीव हिमात्यये।।1.8.24।।

Meaning

On hearing these exceedingly charming words, the queens' radiant, lotus-like faces shone forth like lotuses blooming after the departure of winter.