King Romapada, guided by custom and a peaceful mind, led the sage Ṛṣyaśṛṅga into his inner chambers and gave him his beloved daughter Śāntā in marriage. This union brought the king great joy. Ṛṣyaśṛṅga, radiant and revered, remained in Romapada’s kingdom, honored and content, living happily with Śāntā. Now, hear the next part of the sacred narrative as told in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa. Once again, O king, listen carefully to these beneficial words, as spoken by that wise, foremost deity. In the noble lineage of Ikṣvāku, there will be a highly righteous king named Daśaratha, renowned for his truthfulness and virtue. This Daśaratha will share a close friendship with King Romapada of Aṅga, whose fortunate daughter is Śāntā. Romapada, the son of King Aṅga, will welcome Daśaratha, who comes seeking help. Daśaratha, childless and yearning for progeny, will humbly request, “O righteous one, let Śāntā’s husband perform the sacrifice for me, as you have advised, so that my lineage may continue.” Hearing these words and reflecting deeply, Romapada will graciously grant Daśaratha the sage Ṛṣyaśṛṅga, who now has a son and is composed in mind. Relieved of his anxieties and overjoyed, Daśaratha will receive the sage and prepare to undertake the sacred sacrifice with heartfelt devotion. Seeking lasting fame, Daśaratha, with joined palms, will choose Ṛṣyaśṛṅga, the best among Brahmins and a true knower of righteousness, to perform the rite. Thus, for the sake of sacrifice, progeny, and heavenly reward, Daśaratha will achieve his desired goal through the help of the eminent Brahmin. From this sacrifice, Daśaratha will be blessed with four sons of immeasurable valor, who will uphold the lineage and become renowned among all beings. Therefore, O mighty king, you must go personally and honorably, accompanied by your army and vehicles, to invite the sage. Hearing Sumantra’s counsel, Daśaratha will be delighted. After consulting with Vasiṣṭha and listening to his charioteer’s advice, Daśaratha will set out with his inner court and ministers, journeying slowly through forests and rivers to the place where the Brahmin resides. Upon arrival, Daśaratha will approach the eminent sage, who is close to Romapada. Seeing Ṛṣyaśṛṅga, who blazes like fire, Daśaratha will perform the appropriate honors for him. Romapada, joyful in his heart because of their friendship, will share everything with the wise sage’s son. He will welcome Daśaratha with bonds of friendship and kinship, and Daśaratha will stay there, well received. After seven or eight days, Romapada will speak to Daśaratha, saying, “O lord of men, Śāntā, your daughter, is here with her husband.” Daśaratha will request, “Let her come to my city, for a great task awaits.” Romapada will agree and promise the wise sage that they may depart. Romapada will address the Brahmin, “Go with your wife.” The sage’s son will promise, “So be it,” and, permitted by the king, will depart with Śāntā. With affection, they will join their palms and embrace each other. Daśaratha and mighty Romapada will rejoice. After taking leave of his friend, Daśaratha, descendant of Raghu, will set out. He will send swift messengers throughout the city, instructing, “Let the entire city be quickly and splendidly adorned.” Perfumed, sprinkled, and cleaned, adorned with flags, the delighted citizens, hearing of the king’s return, will rejoice. They will fulfill all the king’s commands, and Daśaratha will enter the beautifully decorated city. With the blaring of conches and drums, the foremost Brahmin will be led at the front, and all the citizens, seeing Ṛṣyaśṛṅga, will be greatly delighted. Honored by Daśaratha, who acts with the might of Indra, Ṛṣyaśṛṅga will be brought in as Kasyapa is brought by Indra in heaven. After bringing him into the inner chambers and performing the prescribed worship according to scripture, Daśaratha will feel fulfilled. Seeing the peaceful and welcoming inner apartments, the queen, with her husband, will feel joy and happiness. Honored by the women and especially by the king, Śāntā will remain happily for some time with the Brahmin. Now, hear the twelfth chapter in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. After much time has passed, in a delightful season when spring has arrived, Daśaratha will desire to perform a sacrifice. He will bow his head to the Brahmin of divine radiance and request him to perform the sacrifice for the sake of progeny and the continuation of his family. The Brahmin will reply, “So be it,” and tell Daśaratha, “Let the preparations begin and let the horse be released.” “Let the sacrificial ground be prepared on the northern bank of the Sarayu,” he will instruct. Daśaratha will then speak to the Brahmins well-versed in the Vedas: “Sumantra, summon quickly the officiating priests learned in the Vedas—Suyajña, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, and Kāśyapa, as well as our family priest Vasiṣṭha, and all other excellent Brahmins.” Sumantra, swift and energetic, will hasten to carry out the king’s command. Thus, the stage is set for the great sacrifice, and the story continues to unfold, filled with reverence, hope, and divine promise.