In the ancient kingdom of Ayodhya, King Daśaratha, a ruler of great renown, sought to forge a bond of friendship with the king of Aṅga. This alliance was marked by the presence of a highly fortunate daughter named Śāntā, who was destined to play a significant role in the lineage of Daśaratha. The son of King Aṅga, known as Romapāda, welcomed Daśaratha with open arms, and in their discussions, the king expressed his deep sorrow over his childlessness. With a heart full of hope, Daśaratha conveyed his desire for Śāntā’s husband to perform a sacred sacrifice, as instructed by a wise sage, to ensure the continuation of his lineage. Romapāda, reflecting on Daśaratha's words, recognized the significance of this request. He resolved to provide Śāntā’s husband, who already had a son, with the self-possession needed to undertake this noble task. As the days passed, Daśaratha, burdened by his longing for progeny, found solace in the prospect of performing the sacrifice. He sought out Rishyasringa, the best of Brahmins, who was renowned for his knowledge of righteousness. With joined palms and a heart filled with devotion, Daśaratha approached this illustrious sage, eager to fulfill his wishes for progeny and heavenly blessings through the sacrifice. The king, desiring fame and fulfillment, set forth with his retinue, guided by Sumantra, his wise charioteer. Delighted by Sumantra's counsel, Daśaratha journeyed through lush forests and flowing rivers, finally arriving at the abode of Rishyasringa. There, he honored the sage, who shone with divine radiance, and expressed his gratitude for the friendship shared with Romapāda. In the warmth of kinship, Romapāda shared the news of his daughter Śāntā and her husband, urging that they be brought to his city for the great task ahead. With mutual agreement, the king of Aṅga permitted the couple to depart, and the sage’s son, filled with affection, embraced his wife before taking his leave. As Daśaratha returned to his kingdom, joy blossomed in his heart. He sent swift messengers throughout the city, instructing them to adorn it splendidly in preparation for the auspicious arrival of the Brahmin. The citizens, buoyed by the king's announcement, eagerly prepared, perfuming and beautifying the streets with flags and decorations. When Daśaratha entered the city, the air was filled with the sounds of conches and drums, heralding the arrival of the revered Brahmin. The people, seeing Rishyasringa honored like a celestial being, rejoiced at the sight. The king, acting with the might of Indra, welcomed the sage into his inner chambers, performing the prescribed worship with devotion, feeling fulfilled by having brought him there. In the peaceful ambiance of the palace, the wide-eyed queen and her husband experienced joy and happiness, celebrating the presence of the esteemed Brahmin. After some time, as the seasons changed and spring arrived, Daśaratha felt a renewed desire to perform a sacrifice for progeny and the continuation of his lineage. Bowing humbly before Rishyasringa, he implored the sage to conduct the sacred rites. The sage agreed, directing the king to prepare for the ceremony, including the release of the sacrificial horse and the preparation of the ground by the northern bank of the Sarayu River. Daśaratha, filled with determination, called upon his learned Brahmins, requesting the presence of Sumantra and other esteemed priests, including the family priest Vasiṣṭha. With swift energy, Sumantra gathered the learned Brahmins, and Daśaratha honored them with reverence. Addressing them with gentle words, he expressed his deep sorrow over his childlessness, revealing his intent to perform a horse sacrifice to fulfill his longing for a son. The Brahmins, led by Vasiṣṭha and Rishyasringa, praised his words, affirming his noble intentions. Thus, the stage was set for a significant sacrifice that would change the fate of the king and his lineage forever.