In the splendid city of Ayodhyā, also known as Satyanāmā, with its strong gates and bars, adorned by magnificent houses and bustling with thousands of people, the king ruled with the majesty and authority of Indra himself. King Daśaratha, the great-souled scion of the Ikṣvāku lineage, was served by ministers of exceptional virtue. These wise counselors, ever attentive and perceptive, were devoted to offering advice that was both pleasing and beneficial to their sovereign. Eight ministers, pure in conduct and unwavering in loyalty, constantly attended to the affairs of the realm: Dhṛṣṭi, Jayanta, Vijaya, Surāṣṭra, Rāṣṭravardhana, Akopa, Dharmapāla, and the eighth, Sumantra, who was particularly renowned for his wisdom in statecraft. The king’s court was further graced by two chief priests, Vasiṣṭha and Vāmadeva, eminent among seers, as well as other distinguished counselors—Suyajña, Jābāli, Kāśyapa, Gautama, the long-lived Mārkaṇḍeya, and the sage Kātyāyana. These brahmarṣis, who had long served as royal priests, were learned, disciplined, modest, and self-controlled. Endowed with energy, patience, and fame, these counselors always spoke with gentle smiles, never uttering a false word, whether moved by anger, desire, or self-interest. Nothing escaped their notice—no deed, whether done or intended, whether among their own or others, even in secret, was unknown to them. They were skilled in conduct and true in friendship, administering timely punishment even to their own sons when necessary. Adept in collecting revenue and managing the army, they would never harm an innocent person, even if he happened to be an enemy. Brave and ever-vigilant, these ministers upheld the royal law and protected the pure-hearted citizens of the kingdom. By refraining from harming Brahmins or Kṣatriyas, they filled the treasury, yet meted out strict justice after carefully considering each person’s strengths and weaknesses. Among these pure and single-minded men, all were discerning; nowhere in the city or kingdom was there anyone who spoke falsely. There was neither wickedness nor covetousness; peace reigned throughout the kingdom and its chief city. All dressed in clean garments, well-adorned and observing pure vows, they remained ever watchful for the king’s welfare. Having absorbed the virtues of their teachers, they were renowned for valor and firm understanding, their fame extending even to foreign lands. Endowed with every virtue, none lacking in merit, they were experts in the principles of alliance and conflict, and naturally prosperous. They kept counsel well, were skilled in subtle reasoning, always spoke pleasantly, and were well-versed in the science of polity. Thus, King Daśaratha—faultless and supported by such ministers—ruled the earth. He governed his subjects with righteousness, keeping watch over them through spies and always avoiding unrighteousness. Renowned in the three worlds, generous in speech, and steadfast in truth, this tiger among men ruled the earth as the lord of gods rules in heaven, finding no enemy equal or superior to himself. He was friendly to allies, respectful to vassals, and crushed threats with his might. Surrounded by his devoted and capable ministers, Daśaratha shone with brilliance, like the sun rising with radiant rays. Yet, for all his power, righteousness, and greatness of soul, King Daśaratha was troubled by one sorrow: he had no son to continue his line. As he pondered this, a thought arose in his heart: “Why should I not perform the Aśvamedha sacrifice for the sake of a son?” With this firm resolve, the wise and righteous king, together with his accomplished ministers, made up his mind. Summoning Sumantra, the best of counselors, Daśaratha instructed him, “Quickly bring to me all the elders and priests.” Sumantra, swift in action, gathered all those learned in the Vedas—Suyajña, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kāśyapa, the venerable priest Vasiṣṭha, and other eminent Brāhmaṇas. Having honored them, the righteous king addressed them with gentle, purposeful words: “Therefore, I wish to perform the sacrifice as prescribed in the scriptures. How may I obtain my desire? Let your minds consider this.” The Brāhmaṇas, led by Vasiṣṭha, honored the king’s words, declaring, “Well spoken!” Greatly pleased, they advised Daśaratha, “Let the necessary materials be gathered and the horse released. Let the sacrificial ground be prepared on the northern bank of the Sarayū. O king, you will surely obtain sons as you desire. Since this righteous resolve has arisen in you for the sake of a son, all will be well.” Hearing these words, King Daśaratha was filled with joy and excitement. With shining eyes, he instructed his ministers, “Let all the necessary preparations be made here for the ritual, according to the instructions of the elders. Let the consecrated horse, along with its preceptor, be released under proper supervision, and let the sacrificial ground be prepared on the northern bank of the Sarayū.” Thus, with the blessings of his priests and counselors, the king set in motion the great sacrifice, hopeful for the fulfillment of his heart’s deepest wish.