Swift and attentive, Sumantra, the wise charioteer, hurried forth at King Daśaratha’s command. He gathered together all those learned in the Vedas—eminent Brāhmaṇas, each renowned for their wisdom and virtue. Among them were Suyajña, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kāśyapa, the venerable priest Vasiṣṭha, and other distinguished sages. Once these honored Brāhmaṇas were assembled, the righteous King Daśaratha received them with deep respect. With gentle words, full of dharma and clear intent, the king addressed them: “I wish to perform the sacrifice as prescribed in the scriptures. How may I fulfill my heart’s desire? Let your minds consider this.” The assembled Brāhmaṇas, led by Vasiṣṭha, listened to the king’s words and responded with joy, “Well spoken!” Their hearts gladdened, they advised Daśaratha: “Let the necessary materials be gathered and the consecrated horse released. Prepare the sacrificial ground on the northern bank of the Sarayū. O king, you will certainly obtain sons as you desire.” They continued, “Since this righteous resolve has arisen in you for the sake of a son, you are indeed blessed.” Hearing their words, Daśaratha was filled with happiness. His eyes shone with excitement as he turned to his ministers: “Let all preparations for the ritual be made here, exactly as the elders instruct.” He commanded, “Let the consecrated horse, with its preceptor, be released under proper supervision, and prepare the sacrificial ground on the northern bank of the Sarayū. Let the pacifying rites be performed as tradition prescribes; this sacrifice is within the power of any able king. Take great care—let there be no grave error in this most excellent sacrifice, for the learned Brahmarākṣasas are ever watchful for flaws. If a sacrifice is performed incorrectly, its performer is ruined. Therefore, let my sacrifice be completed strictly according to the rules.” He instructed, “Let those who are capable make all arrangements accordingly.” The honored ministers replied, “So be it.” The twice-born Brāhmaṇas, learned in righteousness, encouraged the noble king, assuring him of their support. Having received the king’s permission, the Brāhmaṇas departed as they had come. After dismissing them, Daśaratha spoke once more to his ministers: “Let the sacrifice be performed exactly as the officiating priests instruct.” This said, the wise king entered his palace. He went to his beloved wives—dear to his heart—and said to them, “Undertake the vow of consecration; I shall perform the sacrifice for the sake of a son.” Hearing these pleasing words, the faces of his radiant queens shone like lotuses blooming at winter’s end. Now, listen to the next portion of this sacred narrative from the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa. In private, Sumantra addressed the king: “Let me recount what I have heard from ancient tales, as told by the officiating priests. The venerable Sanatkumāra once related this story in the presence of sages, concerning the coming of your son. There is a son of Kāśyapa named Vibhāṇḍaka. His own son will be known as Ṛśyaśṛṅga, who will grow up in the forest, living always as a sage among the woods. “That best of Brāhmaṇas knows no one else, always following his father’s path. The great-souled Ṛśyaśṛṅga will observe a twofold discipline of celibacy. This is well known among people and always told by the Brāhmaṇas. As he lived thus, the destined time arrived. “At that very time, while Ṛśyaśṛṅga was serving the sacred fire and his illustrious father, the powerful Romapada, king of Anga, became renowned among his people. Yet, due to a transgression by that king, a terrible calamity befell his land. “Romapada summoned learned Brāhmaṇas and addressed 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.’ Thus asked, all the eminent Brāhmaṇas replied, ‘O king, by every means, bring here the son of Vibhāṇḍaka.’ “‘Bring Ṛśyaśṛṅga, the son of Vibhāṇḍaka, with due honor. Give him your daughter Śāntā in marriage, with all proper rites and attention.’ Hearing their words, the king became anxious, wondering how he might bring the powerful sage to his city. “After careful deliberation with his ministers, the wise king sent his priests and counselors, treating them with respect. But those men, troubled and hesitant, bowed their heads in fear of the sage and tried to persuade the king otherwise. After further consideration, they assured the king, ‘We will bring the sage here, and there will be no fault in this.’ “Thus, by the king of Anga, Ṛśyaśṛṅga, the sage’s son, was brought by courtesans. Then, rain fell upon the land, and Śāntā was given to Ṛśyaśṛṅga in marriage. “Ṛśyaśṛṅga thus became your son-in-law, O king, and he will grant you sons. This much, as told by Sanatkumāra, I have related.” Hearing this, King Daśaratha was delighted and said to Sumantra, “Tell me by what means Ṛśyaśṛṅga was brought here.” Now, listen to the continuation of this sacred tale in the next chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa.