In the glorious city of Ayodhyā, the great-souled king Daśaratha of the Ikṣvāku lineage reigned, surrounded by ministers of exceptional virtue. These wise counselors were skilled in the art of governance, perceptive of gestures, and ever devoted to what was both pleasing and beneficial for the realm. Among them were eight distinguished ministers: Dhṛṣṭi, Jayanta, Vijaya, Surāṣṭra, Rāṣṭravardhana, Akopa, Dharmapāla, and Sumantra, the eighth, renowned for his wisdom in statecraft. The king was also guided by two chief priests, the eminent sages Vasiṣṭha and Vāmadeva, along with other learned counselors: Suyajña, Jābāli, Kāśyapa, Gautama, the long-lived Mārkaṇḍeya, and the sage Kātyāyana. These brahmarṣis, always his former priests, were learned, disciplined, modest, skilled, and self-controlled. Endowed with energy, patience, and fame, they spoke gently and never uttered a false word, regardless of anger, desire, or self-interest. Nothing escaped their notice—whether among their own or others, whether done, being done, or intended, even in secret. They were skilled in conduct, proven in friendship, and would impose timely punishment even on their own sons. Adept at collecting revenue and managing the army, they never harmed the innocent, even if that person was an enemy. Brave and ever-energetic, they upheld royal law and protected the pure citizens of the realm. By not harming Brahmins or Kshatriyas, they filled the treasury and imposed strict punishments after considering each person's strengths and weaknesses. Among these pure and single-minded ministers, all were discerning; nowhere in the city or kingdom was there anyone who spoke falsely. There was not a wicked man nor anyone who coveted another's wife; the entire kingdom and its chief city were peaceful. All wore clean garments, were well-dressed, observed pure vows, and, with wakeful discernment, sought the king's welfare. They had acquired their teachers’ virtues, were renowned for valor, known even in foreign lands, and everywhere firm in their understanding. Endowed with virtues and none lacking in merit, they were experts in the principles of alliance and conflict, and by nature possessed prosperity. Skilled in keeping counsel, subtle reasoning, and pleasant speech, they were well-versed in the science of polity. King Daśaratha, faultless and endowed with ministers of such qualities and virtues, ruled over the earth. He observed his people through spies, protected them with righteousness, and governed his subjects, always avoiding unrighteousness. Renowned in the three worlds, generous in speech, steadfast in truth, this tiger among men ruled the earth. He found no enemy superior or equal to himself; friendly to allies, respectful to vassals, and crushing thorns with his might, he ruled the world as the lord of gods rules in heaven. Surrounded by devoted, skilled, capable ministers, steadfast in beneficial counsel, the king shone brilliantly, like the sun rising with radiant rays. Yet, despite his power, righteousness, and greatness, Daśaratha longed for a son, for he had no offspring 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?" Resolving firmly to undertake the sacrifice, the wise and righteous king, together with his accomplished ministers, made up his mind. He then turned to Sumantra, the best of counselors, and said, "Quickly bring to me all those elders and priests." Sumantra, swift in action, gathered all those learned in the Vedas: Suyajña, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kāśyapa, the priest Vasiṣṭha, and other eminent Brāhmaṇas. Having honored them, the righteous king Daśaratha spoke gentle words, filled with righteousness and purpose: "Therefore, I wish to perform the sacrifice as prescribed in the scriptures. How may I obtain my desire? Let your minds consider this." All the Brāhmaṇas, led by Vasiṣṭha, honored the king’s words, saying, "Well spoken!" Greatly pleased, they told Daśaratha, "Let the 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..." Hearing these words, the king was filled with joy and excitement. He addressed 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; let the sacrificial ground be prepared on the northern bank of the Sarayu. Let the pacifying rites also be performed, as prescribed and according to tradition; this sacrifice can be accomplished by any king who is able." Thus, the preparations for the great Aśvamedha sacrifice began, marking a new chapter in the reign of King Daśaratha, as he sought to fulfill his longing for a son.