In ancient times, there was a king whose fame resounded throughout the three worlds—a sovereign generous in speech, unwavering in truth, and revered as a tiger among men. This noble ruler governed the earth with such might and virtue that he found no enemy his equal or superior. To his allies he was ever friendly, to his vassals respectful, and to those who threatened the peace, he was a force that crushed all obstacles, ruling as the lord of gods rules in heaven. Surrounded by ministers who were devoted, skilled, and steadfast in offering wise counsel, the king shone with brilliance, much like the sun rising and spreading its radiant rays. Though endowed with such power, righteousness, and greatness of soul, the king was burdened by a longing—for he had no son to continue his illustrious 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?” Resolute in his decision, the wise and righteous king consulted his accomplished ministers and made up his mind to undertake the sacred rite. He called for Sumantra, the best of counselors, and instructed him, “Quickly bring to me all those elders and priests.” Swift and efficient, Sumantra gathered together all those learned in the Vedas—Suyajña, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kāśyapa, the priest Vasiṣṭha, and other eminent Brāhmaṇas. The righteous king Daśaratha honored them and spoke gentle words filled with dharma and purpose. He addressed them, saying, “Therefore, I wish to perform the sacrifice as prescribed in the scriptures. How may I obtain my desire? Let your minds consider this.” The assembled Brāhmaṇas, led by Vasiṣṭha, honored the king’s words, declaring, “Well spoken!” and, greatly pleased, advised, “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, success will be yours.” Hearing these words, the king’s heart filled with joy. With shining eyes and excitement, he instructed his ministers, “Let all the necessary preparations be made for the ritual, according to the instructions of the elders. Let the consecrated horse, with its preceptor, be released under proper supervision, and let the sacrificial ground be prepared on the northern bank of the Sarayu. Let the pacifying rites also be performed as prescribed. This sacrifice can be accomplished by any king who is able, but let there be no error, for the learned Brahmarakshasas always seek out flaws. If the sacrifice is not performed properly, the performer is ruined. Therefore, let it be completed strictly according to the rules.” The ministers, honored by the king’s trust, replied, “So be it.” The twice-born, learned in righteousness, encouraged the king, and, having received his permission, they departed. After dismissing the Brahmins, the king spoke again to his ministers: “Let the sacrifice be performed exactly as instructed by the officiating priests.” Having given these commands, the wise king entered his palace. There, approaching his beloved wives, he said, “Undertake the vow of consecration; I shall perform the sacrifice for the sake of a son.” His pleasing words made the faces of his queens shine with joy, like lotuses blossoming at winter’s end. At this point, Sumantra, the charioteer, approached the king in private and spoke respectfully: “Let me tell you, O king, what I have heard from ancient tales, as instructed by the officiating priests and once narrated by the venerable Sanatkumāra. In the presence of the sages, it was foretold that a son would come to you. There is a great sage, Vibhāṇḍaka, son of Kāśyapa. His son, Ṛśyaśṛṅga, dwells always in the forest, living as a sage among the woods. This best of Brahmins knows no one else, always following his father and observing a twofold discipline of celibacy. This is well known among people and always recounted by the Brahmins. As Ṛśyaśṛṅga served the sacred fire and his illustrious father, at that very time, the powerful Romapada became renowned—a mighty king among the people of Anga. Yet, due to a certain transgression, Romapada brought upon his kingdom a terrible calamity. In distress, Romapada summoned learned Brahmins and said to them, ‘You are versed in sacred rites and know the customs of the world. Instruct me in the proper discipline and expiation that should be performed.’ The Brahmins, accomplished in the Vedas, replied, ‘O ruler, by every means bring here the son of Vibhāṇḍaka.’ Thus, with due honor, Romapada brought Ṛśyaśṛṅga, the sage’s son, to his land. There, with proper rites and full attention, he gave his own daughter, Shāntā, in marriage to Ṛśyaśṛṅga, the Brahmin accomplished in the Vedas.” Thus, the stage was set for the fulfillment of the king’s longing, and the preparations for the great sacrifice continued, guided by the wisdom of the elders and the blessings of the learned Brāhmaṇas.