King Dasharatha, intent on performing a great sacrifice, addressed those gathered with solemn resolve: “A sacrifice done without proper procedure destroys its performer at once. Therefore, let my sacrifice be completed strictly according to the sacred rules.” He instructed that only those capable should make the arrangements, and the honored ministers replied in unison, “So be it.” Hearing the king’s command, the twice-born Brahmins, learned in righteousness, encouraged the noble king to proceed as he wished. With their blessing, they took their leave, and after dismissing these revered Brahmins, Dasharatha turned to his ministers and spoke: “Let the sacrifice be performed exactly as the officiating priests instruct.” Having thus directed his ministers, the wise king withdrew into his palace. There, approaching his beloved wives—who cherished him dearly—he gently said, “Undertake the vow of consecration; I am performing this sacrifice for the sake of a son.” His words, so pleasing and full of hope, made the faces of his queens shine with joy, like lotuses blooming at winter’s end. Now, listen to the next part of this sacred tale as told in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. In private, Dasharatha’s charioteer Sumantra spoke to the king: “Let me recount what I have heard from ancient stories, as related by the venerable Sanatkumāra. In the presence of great sages, it was foretold about the coming of your son. There is a son of Kāśyapa named Vibhaṇḍaka, and his son will be known as Ṛśyaśṛṅga. This best of Brahmins will grow up in the forest, living always as a sage among the woods. He knows no one but his father, follows him faithfully, and observes strict celibacy. This is well known among people and often told by Brahmins. As he lived thus, the destined time arrived. “At that very time, while Ṛśyaśṛṅga served the sacred fire with his illustrious father, the powerful Romapada became renowned. Romapada, a mighty king celebrated among the people of Anga, committed a transgression, and as a result, a terrible calamity befell his kingdom. “Seeking a remedy, Romapada summoned learned Brahmins and asked, ‘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 King, by all means bring here the son of Vibhaṇḍaka. Honor him, and give him your daughter Shanta in marriage, with all proper rites and attention.’ “Hearing this, the king was troubled, wondering how such a powerful sage could be brought to his city. After careful deliberation with his ministers, Romapada sent priests and counselors, treating them with great respect. But those men, fearing the sage’s ascetic power, hesitated and bowed their heads, trying 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’s efforts, Ṛśyaśṛṅga, son of Vibhaṇḍaka, was brought by courtesans; then rain fell upon the parched land, and Shanta was given to him in marriage. Ṛśyaśṛṅga became your son-in-law, and it is he who will grant you sons. This much, as told by Sanatkumāra, I have related.” Delighted by this account, Dasharatha turned to Sumantra and said, “Tell me by what means Ṛśyaśṛṅga was brought here.” Now listen to the next chapter of this sacred Ramayana. Thus prompted by the king, Sumantra continued: “Hear from me, together with the ministers, exactly how Ṛśyaśṛṅga was brought. Romapada, with his ministers and priest, devised a means that was safe and without fault. Ṛśyaśṛṅga, dwelling in the forest, devoted to austerity and study, was unacquainted with women, with worldly pleasures, or enjoyments. We decided that, by means of sense-objects—delightful and alluring, which disturb the minds of men—we would quickly bring him to the city. “The king instructed: ‘Let the beautiful courtesans, adorned with ornaments, go there; by employing various means, they will bring him here, having been treated with honor.’ Hearing this, the priest and counselors acted accordingly. “The chief courtesans entered the great forest, and not far from the hermitage, they made efforts to see Ṛśyaśṛṅga. The sage’s steadfast son, always dwelling in the hermitage, was ever content with his father and did not stray far. From birth, that ascetic had never seen a woman, a man, or any being from the city or kingdom. “Those women, adorned in varied attire and singing with sweet voices, approached the sage’s son and spoke to him: ‘Who are you, O Brahmin? What are you doing here? We wish to know. You wander alone in this dreadful, deserted forest—tell us.’ “Their forms, unlike any he had seen before, stirred his heart in the forest, and the young sage resolved to tell them about his father.” Thus, the story unfolds, with destiny guiding the lives of kings and sages, and the sacred sacrifice set in motion by the will of the Divine.