batch.motif.hindu-mahabharata-dutt-gutenberg-l6483-l6627
---
record_id: batch.motif.hindu-mahabharata-dutt-gutenberg-l6483-l6627
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
passage_locator:
label: BOOK XI / SRADDHA / BOOK XII / ASWA-MEDHA; lines 6483-6627
start: '6483'
end: '6627'
translation: Maha-bharata
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: Yudhishthir prepares and hosts a royal aswa-medha sacrifice at Hastina.
Kings, queens, Brahmans, sages, teachers, students, and many peoples assemble.
The site is richly built and decorated; guests are fed in abundance. Arjun arrives
with the conquering horse, and Vyasa instructs Yudhishthir to proceed with the
rite and give lavish gifts so that the sacrifice may purify the stain of kin-slaying
in war. Priests perform prescribed rites, press Soma, arrange wooden stakes and
a golden-brick altar, and assign animal offerings to heavenly powers.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: Pavilions for royal queens and dwellings for Brahmans are raised around the
sacrificial site.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: Messengers invite renowned monarchs to Hastina and to the consecrated ground.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: Kings and chieftains arrive with attendants, women, arms, horses, gems, and
gold, and receive royal hospitality from Yudhishthir.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- id: obs:4
text: Munis, rishis, acharyas, and brahmacharins come to the yajna, chant sacred
words, and are shown appropriate places.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:5
text: Mechanics and artists build the structures and furnish the sacrificial site
with needed objects.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:6
text: The sacrificial site is described as splendid, decorated with festoons, streamers,
golden arches, water jars, gold-inlaid vessels, and golden cups and vases.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:7
text: Sacrificial stakes are consecrated by mantra and placed in ordered arrangement.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:8
text: Many kinds of creatures—fish, buffaloes, bulls, beasts of prey, birds, egg-born
creatures, insects, and denizens of caves and mountains—are brought for the sacrifice.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:9
text: A vast public feast provides curd, cake, confection, rice, butter, and other
foods to Brahmans and many people from diverse regions.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
- id: obs:10
text: Arjun arrives with the conquering horse, and Vyasa tells Yudhishthir that
the day for the sacrifice has come.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: obs:11
text: Vyasa instructs Yudhishthir to give threefold presents and says the rite and
ablution may purify the stain and sin from the slaughter of warriors and kinsmen.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: obs:12
text: Yudhishthir takes the diksha and begins the aswa-medha, while priests move
around the altar and follow sacred law.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: obs:13
text: Priests perform pravargya, abhishava, savana, press the Soma plant, and chant
solemn saman.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- id: obs:14
text: Royal bounty, gifts, gold, mercy, care, and charity are distributed to the
hungry, poor, fearful, mourners, and stricken.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:15
- id: obs:15
text: The sacrifice proceeds day by day while poor and grateful multitudes are fed
and learned teachers increase in virtue.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:16
- id: obs:16
text: Wooden stakes of vilwa, khadira, sarvavarnin, devadaru, and slesha are set
up, along with carved stakes of golden lustre draped in silk and gold brocade.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:17
- id: obs:17
text: A consecrated altar of gold bricks is built as an eighteen-cubit square, four
layers high, with a winged triangular form likened to an eagle in flight.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:18
- id: obs:18
text: Priests assign varied animal offerings to heavenly powers.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:19
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Yudhishthir
description: Kuru's pious monarch who hosts the yajna, welcomes guests, gives bounty,
takes diksha, and begins the aswa-medha.
role_refs:
- role:1
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:12
- ev:13
- ev:15
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Kings and chieftains
description: Renowned monarchs and chiefs invited to Hastina who arrive with retinues
and wealth and view the rite.
role_refs:
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:6
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Queens of crowned monarchs
description: Royal women for whom pavilions are raised around the sacrificial site.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Brahmans, priests, sages, teachers, and students
description: Religious specialists and learners who come to the yajna, chant sacred
words, receive places, perform rites, press Soma, and assign offerings.
role_refs:
- role:5
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:9
- ev:13
- ev:14
- ev:19
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Skilled mechanics and artists
description: Craft workers who build structures and prepare the sacrificial site.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Arjun
description: Victor of many battles who arrives with the conquering steed.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Vyasa
description: Herald of the Vedas who commands that the rite proceed and instructs
Yudhishthir on gifts, merit, and purification.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- ev:12
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Poor, hungry, fearful, mourners, stricken, and common multitudes
description: Recipients of royal bounty, food, gifts, mercy, and care during the
sacrifice.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:15
- ev:16
- id: fig:9
name_or_label: Creatures brought for sacrifice
description: Fish, buffaloes, bulls, beasts of prey, birds, egg-born creatures,
insects, and denizens of caves and mountains brought as sacrificial beings.
role_refs:
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:19
roles:
- id: role:1
label: royal sacrificer
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Yudhishthir hosts the yajna, takes diksha, and commences the aswa-medha.
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- ev:13
- id: role:2
label: giver of bounty and hospitality
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: He ordains hospitality for chiefs and distributes food, gifts, gold, mercy,
and charity.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:15
- id: role:3
label: assembled royal guests
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Monarchs and chiefs are invited, arrive at Hastina, and view the rite.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:6
- id: role:4
label: royal female attendees
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: Pavilions are built for queens attending the holy rite.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:5
label: ritual specialists
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: Priests and Brahmans chant, perform rites, press Soma, and assign offerings.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:14
- ev:19
- id: role:6
label: recipients of ritual feasting
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: Curd, cake, confections, viands, and drinks are spread for Brahmans.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
- id: role:7
label: ritual site builders
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: Mechanics and artists raise the structures and furnish the site.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: role:8
label: returning horse-conqueror
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: Arjun comes with the conquering steed before the rite proceeds.
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: role:9
label: ritual instructor
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: Vyasa tells Yudhishthir to perform the sacrifice and give lavish dakshina
for purification and merit.
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- ev:12
- id: role:10
label: beneficiaries of royal charity
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: The passage names hungry, fearful, poor, mourners, stricken people, and multitudes
as recipients of bounty and food.
evidence_refs:
- ev:15
- ev:16
- id: role:11
label: sacrificial offerings
assigned_to:
- fig:9
basis: Creatures are brought for the sacrifice and offerings are assigned to heavenly
powers.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:19
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: sacrificial site
literal_form: Consecrated ground with pavilions, dwellings, golden arches, vessels,
stakes, and altar.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:4
- fig:5
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:18
- id: sym:2
label: water
literal_form: Jars of cool and sparkling waters at the sacrificial site.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs:
- water
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: sym:3
label: sacrificial stakes
literal_form: Consecrated timber stakes with golden fastenings; later described
as made from named woods and draped in silk and gold brocade.
associated_figures:
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:17
- id: sym:4
label: conquering steed
literal_form: The horse with which Arjun arrives before the aswa-medha proceeds.
associated_figures:
- fig:6
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: sym:5
label: Soma plant and Soma drink
literal_form: Sacred Soma plant pressed by Soma-drinkers during the savana rite.
associated_figures:
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- id: sym:6
label: milk
literal_form: Milk supplied in stables for royal animals.
associated_figures:
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs:
- milk
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: sym:7
label: lakes of curd and butter
literal_form: Abundant feast described as lakes of curd and lakes of butter.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:8
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: sym:8
label: golden-brick altar
literal_form: Consecrated altar built of gold bricks, eighteen cubits square, four
layers high, with a winged triangular eagle-like form.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:18
- id: sym:9
label: animal offerings
literal_form: Creatures from water, pasture, jungle, sky, cave, and mountain brought
and assigned to heavenly powers.
associated_figures:
- fig:4
- fig:9
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:19
- id: sym:10
label: dakshina and royal gifts
literal_form: Threefold presents, gold, gifts, food, and charity distributed during
the rite.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:7
- fig:8
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- ev:15
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Preparation of the sacrificial site
summary: Pavilions and dwellings are built around the consecrated ground, messengers
invite monarchs, guests arrive, sages and priests assemble, and artisans complete
the structures and furnishings.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:4
- fig:5
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: scene:2
label: Public splendour and feasting
summary: The decorated site is filled with royal and religious attendees, consecrated
stakes, vessels, water, food, and many creatures for the rite; large numbers of
people are fed from Yudhishthir's bounty.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:8
- fig:9
symbol_refs:
- sym:2
- sym:3
- sym:7
- sym:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:9
- ev:10
- id: scene:3
label: Vyasa authorizes the aswa-medha
summary: Arjun arrives with the conquering horse, and Vyasa tells Yudhishthir to
perform the sacrifice, give abundant dakshina, and seek purification from the
sin of slaughtering warriors and kinsmen.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:6
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:4
- sym:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- ev:12
- id: scene:4
label: Ritual performance and offerings
summary: Yudhishthir takes diksha, priests conduct prescribed rites around the altar,
press Soma, continue the sacrifice with charity, set up named wooden stakes and
a golden-brick altar, and assign offerings to heavenly powers.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:4
- fig:8
- fig:9
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
- sym:5
- sym:8
- sym:9
- sym:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- ev:14
- ev:15
- ev:16
- ev:17
- ev:18
- ev:19
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: royal horse sacrifice as public rite
taxonomy_refs:
- sacrifice
- royal_legitimacy
basis: The passage centers on Yudhishthir's aswa-medha, attended by kings, priests,
sages, and many peoples, with the conquering steed and elaborate sacrificial apparatus.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:6
- ev:11
- ev:13
- ev:18
confidence: high
cautions: The passage emphasizes ritual performance and royal largesse; any broader
political interpretation should be reviewed against the larger episode.
- id: motif:2
label: sacrifice for purification after kin-slaying
taxonomy_refs:
- sacrifice
basis: Vyasa explicitly says the threefold performance and yajna ablution may purify
the stain and sin from the blood of warriors and kinsmen killed in battle.
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
confidence: high
cautions: The passage frames purification through Vyasa's speech; it does not narrate
the completed absolution within the supplied range.
- id: motif:3
label: sacred exchange through gifts and ritual merit
taxonomy_refs:
- sacred_exchange
- sacrifice
basis: Vyasa links threefold presents and dakshina with threefold merit, and the
passage repeatedly describes gifts, gold, food, mercy, and charity accompanying
the rite.
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- ev:15
- ev:16
confidence: medium
cautions: The taxonomy label is interpretive; the literal text speaks of presents,
merit, dakshina, bounty, and charity.
- id: motif:4
label: abundance feast at a sacred assembly
taxonomy_refs:
- sacrifice
basis: The sacrificial gathering includes immense quantities of food, drink, curd,
butter, rice, and confections distributed to Brahmans, common people, and nations
from many regions.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
confidence: high
cautions: No distinct feast taxonomy ref is available beyond the sacrifice frame.
- id: motif:5
label: cosmic-scale assembly of living beings for sacrifice
taxonomy_refs:
- sacrifice
basis: The sacrificial site is filled with creatures from water, pasture, jungle,
sky, cave, and mountain, later assigned as offerings to heavenly powers.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:19
confidence: medium
cautions: The phrase 'cosmic-scale' is a cautious descriptor of breadth; the passage
lists many habitats but does not explicitly call the assembly cosmic.
comparison_claims:
- id: claim:1
claim: The golden-brick altar is explicitly compared in splendour to the altar Daksha
built in ancient times.
claim_level: visual_similarity
target: Daksha's altar
evidence_refs:
- ev:18
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: The passage gives only a simile of splendour and does not describe
Daksha's altar or assert identical ritual function in detail.
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: 6483-6488
quote_or_summary: Gay pavilions are raised around the sacrificial site for queens;
humbler dwellings are raised for Brahmans who come to view and bless the yajna.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: 6489-6496
quote_or_summary: Messengers invite renowned monarchs to Hastina and the consecrated
ground; kings and chieftains come with retinues, arms, horses, gems, and gold.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: 6497-6506
quote_or_summary: Yudhishthir welcomes each chief and king with cooling drinks,
sumptuous food, regal beds, and provisions for elephants and horses, including
corn, barley, milk, and cane.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: 6507-6516
quote_or_summary: Munis, rishis, acharyas, and brahmacharins arrive from hermitages,
groves, and forests, chanting sacred words, and are given fitting places by the
Kuru monarch.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: 6517-6524
quote_or_summary: Skilled mechanics and artists raise the structures and furnish
the sacrificial site; Yudhishthir is pleased and blesses his brothers.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: 6525-6540
quote_or_summary: Assembled nations, hymns, disputations, monarchs, festoons, streamers,
golden arches, dressed crowds, water jars, gold-inlaid vessels, cups, and vases
mark the splendour of the rite.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: 6541-6544
quote_or_summary: Sacrificial timber stakes with golden fastenings are consecrated
by mantra and placed in order.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: 6545-6552
quote_or_summary: Creatures from earth, lake, flood, pasture, jungle, sky, moisture,
cave, and mountain are brought for the sacrifice.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: 6553-6560
quote_or_summary: Chiefs and monarchs see the site filled with living objects, corn,
and cattle; curd, cake, confections, and sumptuous foods are provided for Brahmans
and a hundred thousand people.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:10
type: summary
locator: 6561-6576
quote_or_summary: Drums and trumpets proclaim Yudhishthir's bounty; rice in hillocks
and lakes of curd and butter feed all comers and nations of Jambu-dwipa, with
attendants carrying food and drinks.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:11
type: summary
locator: 6577-6584
quote_or_summary: Arjun, called victor of a hundred battles, arrives with the conquering
steed; Vyasa, herald of the Vedas, tells Yudhishthir that the day has come and
the sacrifice should be done.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:12
type: quote
locator: 6585-6596
quote_or_summary: '"Threefold bounteous be thy presents... May the threefold rich
performance purify the darkening stain... May the yajna''s pure ablution wash
thee of the cruel sin".'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; short excerpt quoted.
- id: ev:13
type: summary
locator: 6597-6604
quote_or_summary: Yudhishthir takes diksha, begins the aswa-medha, and priests move
around the altar with sacred awe, following duty and sacred law.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:14
type: summary
locator: 6605-6612
quote_or_summary: The pravargya rite is completed; priests and Brahmans perform
abhishava, press the sacred Soma plant, and perform savana with solemn saman chant.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:15
type: summary
locator: 6613-6620
quote_or_summary: Bounty, gifts, gold, mercy, care, and charity relieve hunger,
fear, poverty, mourning, and affliction by the king's command.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:16
type: summary
locator: 6621-6628
quote_or_summary: The aswa-medha proceeds day by day; poor and grateful myriads
feed on royal bounty, and learned preceptors and teachers increase in virtue.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:17
type: summary
locator: 6629-6640
quote_or_summary: Six stakes each of vilwa, khadira, and sarvavarnin, two of devadaru,
one of slesha, and other carved golden-looking stakes draped in silk and gold
brocade stand at the yajna place.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:18
type: summary
locator: 6641-6648
quote_or_summary: The consecrated altar of gold bricks shines like Daksha's ancient
altar; it is eighteen cubits square, four brick layers high, with a winged triangle
like an eagle in flight.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:19
type: summary
locator: 6649-6652
quote_or_summary: Priests assign varied offerings of pure and wholesome beasts,
dwellers of lake or sky, to each heavenly power.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
confidence:
extraction: medium
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: medium
notes: Extraction is based only on the supplied passage. The supplied locator says
lines 6483-6627, but the passage text continues beyond that numbering in the provided
excerpt; evidence locators follow the internal passage sequence approximately
and should be checked against the canonical markdown.
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: |-
No external sources were used. Sanskrit ritual terms are retained as presented in the English passage.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:hindu-mahabharata-dutt-gutenberg__l6483-l6627
passage_sha256=942cdeb4431f89931d466ba32ee5fece8004a5f7142576db75bcb9730e7d1701