In preparation for the grand horse-sacrifice, the kings gathered countless offerings: grains of every kind, both cultivated and wild, and mountains of rice in all its varieties. Hundreds and thousands of jars of cow’s ghee were brought for the rituals, alongside an abundance of goods, foods, cooked dishes, and ointments. Each king contributed whatever resources he possessed, ensuring all needs were met; the sacrificial materials shone with prosperity and completeness. Upon surveying the scene, the king beheld Brahmins skilled in sacrificial rites, accomplished in the Vedas and Vedāṅgas, experts in the scriptures, and adept in all rituals. He saw sages and great sages, divine sages and ascetics, celibates, householders, forest-dwellers, and renunciants—each representing the spectrum of spiritual life. Graduates and other Brahmins, always engaged in fire-offerings, distinguished teachers and preceptors devoted to study and austerity, were present as well. The assembly included many pure souls, all versed in the scriptures. Moved by the sight, the illustrious king addressed his priest: “Let the learned Brahmins, accomplished in the Vedas, now proceed to the sacrificial ground to ensure the success of the horse-sacrifice.” The royal priest, delighted alongside his ministers, acted according to the king’s command. With the architects, he departed, placing Brahmins skilled in sacrificial rites at the forefront. In the region, amidst the lanes and alleys of the fishermen’s village, the Brahmin priest began constructing the sacrificial enclosure according to prescribed rules. The area soon became crowded with hundreds of palaces, adorned with precious gems, splendid like Indra’s mansion, embellished with gold and jewels. Pillars decorated with gold and grand gateways were erected, and pure gold was placed in the designated sacrificial site. Inner chambers were built for the visiting kings from various regions, each constructed in accordance with proper custom and righteous conduct. Numerous halls were arranged for Brahmins and merchants who had arrived from distant lands, all according to the sacred rules. For the king’s pleasure, eminent rulers arrived, bringing many jewels, and women came to partake in the festival. As these great souls entered their camps, a sound like the roar of the ocean rose, reaching up to the heavens. The king, foremost among sages, assigned dwellings and beds for everyone’s comfort. He personally arranged various foods made from rice, sugarcane, barley, and cow’s milk, ensuring that all were well cared for. At the sacrifice, many expounders of Brahman and distinguished twice-borns were present, arriving with their disciples. The king received them all, accompanying them as far as their lodgings. Renouncing pride, the king himself performed his own tasks, and the artisans did likewise, each contributing their craft. The entire sacrificial procedure was presented to the king; hearing it, the diligent monarch, accompanied by his ministers, was thrilled—his hair standing on end. As the sacrifice commenced, eloquent debaters engaged in spirited arguments, each striving to prevail. The Brahmins and assembled guests saw gateways made of pure gold, as if arranged by Indra himself for the lion-like king. They saw beds, seats, couches, heaps of jewels, jars, vessels, bowls, and ever-increasing pitchers—nothing impure was seen. Sacrificial posts adorned with gold were made of wood, as prescribed in the scriptures. All the animals to be offered, both land-dwelling and aquatic, radiant and brought in their proper season, were gathered according to the rites. The kings saw cows and buffaloes, as well as elderly women, and all manner of aquatic creatures, wild beasts, birds, and beings born from womb, egg, sweat, and sprout. They beheld mountains, heaps of grain, and all beings, rejoicing in abundant cattle, wealth, and grain. The kings marveled at the sacrificial enclosure, filled with wonder at the abundance of food offered to the Brahmins and the people. When a full hundred thousand Brahmins feasted there, the drums resounded again and again, thundering like storm clouds. Day after day, the sacrificial ground echoed with continuous sounds, and the wise king’s sacrifice flourished. The Brahmins saw countless heaps of food, streams of curds, and lakes of milk. Indeed, the entire Jambudvipa, filled with many peoples and Brahmins, seemed to be present at the king’s great sacrifice. Thousands upon thousands of men, each taking a vessel, departed—many excellent Brahmins among them. All were adorned with polished jeweled earrings, serving the twice-born in hundreds and thousands. Various drinks were given by the king’s attendants to the Brahmins, along with the king’s own share. The king honored all assembled—knowers of the Veda and rulers of the earth—with proper worship and abundant gifts, fulfilling the sacred rites with reverence and generosity.