King Dasharatha, longing for everlasting fame and the continuation of his royal line, resolved with deep devotion to seek out Rishyasringa, the foremost among Brahmins and a master of righteousness. With joined palms and a heart full of reverence, Dasharatha chose Rishyasringa to preside over the sacrifice that would ensure progeny, spiritual merit, and a place in heaven. He knew that from this noble Brahmin he would obtain the fulfillment of his deepest desire. It was foretold that, through the grace of this sage, Dasharatha would be blessed with four sons of incomparable valor, who would establish his lineage and become renowned among all beings. Inspired by this hope and urged by wise counsel, Dasharatha was advised to personally journey—accompanied by the honor due his station, with his army and splendid vehicles—to invite Rishyasringa. Upon hearing these words from Sumantra, Dasharatha’s heart leapt with joy. He consulted with his revered priest Vasishta and, taking to heart the charioteer’s advice, set out with his inner circle and ministers. Their journey took them slowly through forests and across rivers, until at last they arrived at the dwelling of the eminent sage, close to King Romapada. There, Dasharatha beheld Rishyasringa, radiant and resplendent like fire itself. The king performed all the appropriate honors for the sage’s son, paying him special respect. Because of the deep bond of friendship between Dasharatha and Romapada, the latter welcomed the visitors with great joy, explaining everything to the wise Rishyasringa and extending the ties of friendship and kinship. Thus received with warmth and honor, Dasharatha remained there for several days. After seven or eight days had passed, Dasharatha addressed King Romapada, saying, “O lord of men, your daughter Shanta is here with her husband. Let her accompany me to my city, for a great task awaits us.” Romapada agreed, granting permission for his daughter and son-in-law to depart. Dasharatha then spoke to Rishyasringa: “Go with your wife.” The sage’s son replied, “So be it,” and, with the king’s blessing, prepared to depart. Husband and wife, out of affection, joined their palms and embraced their kin before setting forth. Both Dasharatha and the mighty Romapada rejoiced at this union of purpose. After bidding farewell to his friend, Dasharatha, the scion of Raghu, set out on the return journey. He dispatched swift messengers to Ayodhya, commanding that the entire city be splendidly adorned in welcome. The people perfumed, sprinkled, and cleansed the streets, festooned the city with flags, and rejoiced at the news of the king’s return. All was made ready as Dasharatha had decreed. The king entered Ayodhya, now beautifully decorated, accompanied by the blare of conches and drums. At the forefront was Rishyasringa, the foremost of Brahmins, whose presence filled the citizens with great delight. Honored by Dasharatha—whose might was likened to Indra himself—Rishyasringa was welcomed into the palace as Kasyapa would be welcomed by Indra in heaven. Brought into the inner chambers with all due ritual and scriptural worship, Dasharatha felt truly fulfilled. The queen, wide-eyed with happiness, beheld the peace and prosperity within the palace and rejoiced with her husband. Shanta, honored by the women of the palace and especially by the king, dwelled happily there for some time with her sage husband. Now, listen to the twelfth chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. After much time had passed, in a most delightful season when spring had arrived, Dasharatha’s desire to perform a great sacrifice grew ever stronger. With humility, he bowed to Rishyasringa, radiant as a divine being, and requested him to perform a sacrifice for the sake of progeny and the continuation of his family. Rishyasringa graciously agreed, saying, “Let preparations be made and let the horse be released.” He instructed that the sacrificial ground be prepared on the northern bank of the Sarayu river. Dasharatha then summoned Sumantra and ordered him to quickly bring the most learned officiating priests: Suyajña, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kāśyapa, and the family priest Vasiṣṭha, along with all other excellent Brahmins. Sumantra, swift and diligent, gathered these Brahmins, all well-versed in the Vedas. The righteous king honored them all and addressed them with gentle and righteous words: “For me, afflicted by the lack of a son, there is truly no happiness. For the sake of a son, I wish to perform the horse sacrifice; this is my earnest intention. By the power of the sage’s son, I too shall obtain my heart’s desire.” The Brahmins, led by Vasiṣṭha and Rishyasringa, praised the king’s words, declaring them well spoken. They assured him, “You will surely obtain four sons of immeasurable valor, since your righteous intention for a son has arisen.” Overjoyed by these auspicious words, Dasharatha instructed his ministers to arrange the preparations for the sacrifice without delay. He commanded that the horse be released under careful supervision, and that the sacrificial ground on the northern bank of the Sarayu be made ready, with all rites of pacification performed according to prescribed rules. He reminded all that this sacrifice was fitting for any king of the earth, and urged that no error mar this most excellent ritual. Thus, with the blessings of the Brahmins and the guidance of the sage, Dasharatha set in motion the sacred rites that would bring forth the sons destined to uphold his lineage and bring glory to his name.