batch.motif.hindu-mahabharata-dutt-gutenberg-l6359-l6481
---
record_id: batch.motif.hindu-mahabharata-dutt-gutenberg-l6359-l6481
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
passage_locator:
label: BOOK XI / SRADDHA / BOOK XII / ASWA-MEDHA; lines 6359-6481
start: '6359'
end: '6481'
translation: Maha-bharata
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: The passage introduces the Aswa-Medha book, describes postwar didactic
material attributed to Bhishma and Krishna, states that Yudhishthir is troubled
by war guilt and is advised by Vyasa to perform the horse sacrifice, explains
the royal custom of releasing a horse to test surrounding rulers' submission,
and begins the scene in which Arjun returns with the sacred horse and Yudhishthir
orders preparations for the sacrificial site.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: Bhishma lies on his deathbed and gives instruction to the newly crowned Yudhishthir
on laws, duties, philosophy, rites, legends, and moral rules.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: The narrator says Bhishma dies and is cremated, after which Krishna continues
instruction to Arjun in the Anu-gita.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: Yudhishthir is crowned king of the Kurus at Hastinapura.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:4
text: A posthumous child of Abhimanyu is named Parikshit and is destined to succeed
to the Kuru throne.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:5
text: Yudhishthir remains troubled by thoughts of the war's carnage and considers
himself guilty.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:6
text: Vyasa advises Yudhishthir to perform the Aswa-Medha, the Sacrifice of the
Horse, for expiation of sin.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:7
text: The horse sacrifice is described as an ancient Hindu royal custom practised
by kings with suzerain power over surrounding kings.
category: other
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:8
text: In the described custom, a horse is released to wander, accompanied by the
king's guard.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:9
text: If a neighbouring king detains the horse, it signals war; if no king restrains
it, this is treated as submission to the horse's owner.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:10
text: When the wandering horse returns, it is sacrificed with pomp at a feast to
which neighbouring kings are invited.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:11
text: Yudhishthir lets the sacrificial horse wander, and Arjun accompanies it.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:12
text: Wherever the horse is stopped, Arjun fights and conquers, proclaiming Yudhishthir's
supremacy over neighbouring potentates.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:13
text: Arjun returns victorious with the steed to Hastinapura, and the sacrifice
begins.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:14
text: Strolling minstrels tell Yudhishthir that Arjun is returning with the steed
and sing of Arjun's triumphs in distant regions.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:15
text: Yudhishthir calls his brothers and tells Bhima that Arjun is returning with
the steed and that the time for Aswa-Medha is near.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:16
text: Yudhishthir orders that Brahmans versed in Vedas choose the sacrificial site
for the feast and rite.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:17
text: Bhima carries out Yudhishthir's command with a glad heart.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:18
text: Brahmans, architects, and builders measure a level greensward, laying out
halls and pathways for the sacrificial rite.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:19
text: The prepared ritual space includes gemmed mansions, golden palaces, lofty
columns, and gold-surmounted arches around the consecrated ground.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Bhishma
description: A venerable warrior lying on his deathbed who instructs Yudhishthir
before dying and being cremated.
role_refs:
- role:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Yudhishthir
description: Newly crowned king of the Kurus at Hastinapura, troubled by war guilt,
who orders preparations for the Aswa-Medha.
role_refs:
- role:2
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:3
- ev:7
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Krishna
description: A figure who resumes instruction and explains truths about soul, emancipation,
creation, the wheel of life, knowledge, rites, and penance to Arjun in the Anu-gita.
role_refs:
- role:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Arjun
description: A victorious warrior who accompanies the sacrificial horse, fights
where it is stopped, and returns to Hastinapura with the steed.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Vyasa
description: A great saint who advises Yudhishthir to perform the Aswa-Medha for
expiation of sin.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Parikshit
description: The posthumous child of Abhimanyu, named and destined to succeed to
the throne of the Kurus.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Bhima
description: Yudhishthir's brother, addressed by him and sent to carry out the command
to prepare for the rite.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: faithful twins
description: Yudhishthir's brothers, called with Bhima when he gives orders concerning
the rite.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: fig:9
name_or_label: Brahmans versed in Vedas and sacrifices
description: Ritual specialists who are ordered to choose the sacrificial site and
who help prepare the sacred layout.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: fig:10
name_or_label: cunning architects and builders
description: Specialists who assist in measuring and laying out the site, halls,
pathways, and altars for the rite.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: fig:11
name_or_label: sacrificial horse / sacred charger / returning steed
description: The horse released for the Aswa-Medha, accompanied by Arjun, returning
after its wandering and conquests, and destined for sacrifice.
role_refs:
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: fig:12
name_or_label: strolling minstrels
description: Singers who tell Yudhishthir of the returning steed and sing of Arjun's
triumphs.
role_refs:
- role:12
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: fig:13
name_or_label: neighbouring kings and potentates
description: Rulers whose detention or non-detention of the wandering horse indicates
war or submission; invited to the concluding feast.
role_refs:
- role:13
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
roles:
- id: role:1
label: deathbed or divine instructor
assigned_to:
- fig:1
- fig:3
basis: Bhishma instructs Yudhishthir from his deathbed; Krishna explains spiritual
truths to Arjun.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: role:2
label: troubled crowned king
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Yudhishthir is crowned and remains troubled by guilt over war carnage.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:3
label: royal sacrificer and commander of preparations
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Yudhishthir is advised to perform Aswa-Medha and orders the site and rite
prepared.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:7
- id: role:4
label: victorious horse-guardian and conqueror
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: Arjun accompanies the horse, fights where it is stopped, conquers, and returns
with it.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: role:5
label: saintly ritual advisor
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: Vyasa advises the horse sacrifice as expiation of sin.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:6
label: destined royal successor
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: Parikshit is named and destined to succeed to the Kuru throne.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:7
label: obedient royal brother and executor
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: Bhima hears Yudhishthir's command and acts with glad heart.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: role:8
label: summoned royal brothers
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: The twins are called with Bhima when Yudhishthir speaks of the approaching
rite.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: role:9
label: Vedic ritual specialists
assigned_to:
- fig:9
basis: Brahmans versed in Vedas are to choose the sacrificial site and are involved
in the sacrifice preparations.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: role:10
label: ritual-site builders
assigned_to:
- fig:10
basis: Architects and builders construct altars and lay out halls and pathways.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: role:11
label: released royal sacrificial animal
assigned_to:
- fig:11
basis: The horse wanders freely, tests political submission, returns, and is sacrificed.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: role:12
label: announcers of victory
assigned_to:
- fig:12
basis: The minstrels report the steed's return and sing Arjun's triumphs.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: role:13
label: subject or resisting rulers
assigned_to:
- fig:13
basis: Neighbouring kings may detain the horse and cause war, or not restrain it
and thereby show submission.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: sacrificial horse
literal_form: A horse or sacred charger released to wander, guarded by Arjun, returned
to Hastinapura, and sacrificed.
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:11
- fig:13
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: sym:2
label: free wandering
literal_form: The horse's movement from place to place without being restrained.
associated_figures:
- fig:11
- fig:13
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: sym:3
label: detention or non-detention of the horse
literal_form: A neighbouring king either detains the animal, signaling war, or does
not restrain it, indicating submission.
associated_figures:
- fig:11
- fig:13
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: sym:4
label: auspicious calendrical time
literal_form: The twelfth day of Magha's bright moon, an auspicious star, and the
approaching full moon.
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:11
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: sym:5
label: consecrated sacrificial ground
literal_form: A measured level greensward with halls, pathways, altars, mansions,
golden palaces, columns, and arches.
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:7
- fig:9
- fig:10
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:9
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Postwar instruction and deathbed authority
summary: The passage frames later books as containing instruction on law, duty,
philosophy, rites, legends, and morals attributed to Bhishma on his deathbed,
followed by his death and cremation.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: scene:2
label: Krishna's renewed instruction to Arjun
summary: After Bhishma's death, Krishna explains teachings about soul, emancipation,
creation, the wheel of life, knowledge, rites, and penance to Arjun in the Anu-gita.
figure_refs:
- fig:3
- fig:4
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:3
label: Yudhishthir's guilt and Vyasa's advice
summary: Yudhishthir, crowned at Hastinapura, remains troubled by responsibility
for the war's carnage, and Vyasa advises the horse sacrifice for expiation.
figure_refs:
- fig:2
- fig:5
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: scene:4
label: Custom of the wandering horse
summary: 'The passage explains that a released horse tests neighbouring kings: detaining
it means war, while leaving it free marks submission; after its return it is sacrificed
at a royal feast.'
figure_refs:
- fig:11
- fig:13
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: scene:5
label: Arjun's horse campaign and return
summary: Yudhishthir releases the horse, Arjun accompanies it, fights and conquers
where it is stopped, and returns victorious to Hastinapura with the steed.
figure_refs:
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:11
- fig:13
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: scene:6
label: Announcement of return and preparation of the rite
summary: Minstrels announce Arjun's return; Yudhishthir calls his brothers, commands
Bhima and Brahmans to prepare the sacrificial site, and specialists lay out a
splendid consecrated ground.
figure_refs:
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:7
- fig:8
- fig:9
- fig:10
- fig:11
- fig:12
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:4
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:9
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: Horse sacrifice for expiation and kingship
taxonomy_refs:
- sacrifice
- royal_legitimacy
basis: Vyasa advises the Aswa-Medha for Yudhishthir's expiation of sin, while the
rite also proclaims the king's supremacy over surrounding rulers.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:5
confidence: high
cautions: The passage is a translated summary and poetic excerpt, with editorial
comments about interpolation; ritual details are not fully included in this range.
- id: motif:2
label: Released animal as test of sovereignty
taxonomy_refs:
- royal_legitimacy
basis: The horse is allowed to wander; detention by another king signals war, while
non-restraint is treated as submission to the owner.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
confidence: high
cautions: The motif is identified from the passage's explicit explanation of custom,
not from a broader comparative corpus.
- id: motif:3
label: Ritual expiation after destructive war
taxonomy_refs:
- sacrifice
- death_rebirth
basis: Yudhishthir is troubled by war carnage and performs a major sacrifice for
expiation after the conflict.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:5
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage supports expiation through sacrifice; a fuller death-rebirth
interpretation would require additional evidence outside this passage.
- id: motif:4
label: Consecrated ritual center prepared with auspicious timing
taxonomy_refs:
- sacrifice
- world_center
basis: Yudhishthir orders Brahmans to choose the sacrificial site as the auspicious
full moon approaches, and builders create a consecrated arena with halls, pathways,
altars, and ornamented structures.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:9
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage describes a sacred site, but does not explicitly call it a
world center.
- id: motif:5
label: Royal succession secured after catastrophe
taxonomy_refs:
- royal_legitimacy
basis: Yudhishthir is crowned after the war, and Abhimanyu's posthumous child Parikshit
is named as destined successor to the Kuru throne.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
confidence: medium
cautions: The succession notice is brief and is not developed as a full narrative
in this passage.
- id: motif:6
label: Wisdom instruction at the threshold of death
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
basis: Bhishma, lying on his deathbed, instructs Yudhishthir on duties, laws, philosophy,
rites, and moral conduct.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
confidence: high
cautions: This is presented mostly in editorial summary rather than direct dialogue
within the extracted passage.
comparison_claims: []
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: 6359-6376
quote_or_summary: Bhishma lies on his deathbed and instructs newly crowned Yudhishthir
on duties, castes, life stages, philosophy, marriage, succession, gifts, funeral
rites, Krishna devotion, and many traditions.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary generated from supplied passage.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: 6390-6398
quote_or_summary: Bhishma dies and is cremated; Krishna resumes instruction and
explains teachings to Arjun in the Anu-gita, including soul, emancipation, creation,
the wheel of life, knowledge, rites, and penance.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary generated from supplied passage.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: 6400-6407
quote_or_summary: Yudhishthir is crowned at Hastinapura; Parikshit is named as successor;
Yudhishthir remains troubled by guilt for the war, and Vyasa advises the Aswa-Medha
for expiation.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary generated from supplied passage.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: 6409-6420
quote_or_summary: 'The horse sacrifice is described as an ancient Hindu custom of
suzerain kings: a guarded horse wanders; detention means war, non-restraint indicates
submission, and the returned horse is sacrificed at a feast.'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary generated from supplied passage.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: 6422-6430
quote_or_summary: Yudhishthir releases the sacrificial horse; Arjun accompanies
it, fights and conquers where it is stopped, proclaims Yudhishthir's supremacy,
and returns with the steed to Hastinapura, where the sacrifice begins.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary generated from supplied passage.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: 6441-6452
quote_or_summary: Arjun returns home following the sacred charger; minstrels tell
Yudhishthir of the returning steed and sing of Arjun's triumphs in Gandhara, Brahmaputra,
and Sindhu; an auspicious Magha date is noted.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary generated from supplied passage.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: 6453-6468
quote_or_summary: Yudhishthir calls his brothers, tells Bhima that Arjun is returning
with the steed and the Aswa-Medha is near, and orders Vedic Brahmans to choose
the sacrificial site for the feast and rite.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary generated from supplied passage.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: 6469-6476
quote_or_summary: Bhima gladly carries out the command; Brahmans, architects, and
builders measure a level greensward and lay out halls and pathways for the sacrificial
rite.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary generated from supplied passage.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: 6477-6481
quote_or_summary: Mansions with gems and jewels, golden palaces, lofty columns,
and gold-surmounted arches surround the consecrated ground.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary generated from supplied passage.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: uncertain
notes: Extraction is based only on the supplied English passage. Motif candidates
are limited to patterns explicitly present in the passage and available taxonomy
refs. No external comparative claims are made.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-28'
notes: |-
The passage includes both editorial prose and translated verse; observations distinguish the narrative summary of the Aswa-Medha from the opening gathering scene.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:hindu-mahabharata-dutt-gutenberg__l6359-l6481
passage_sha256=abf1d96d09224720b97cb4924f799d5bc2c06d896c618e6be110ed23b29cae5e