The great sage assured King Dasharatha that he would be blessed with four sons of immeasurable valor, who would bring glory to his lineage and become renowned among all beings. Urged by Sumantra’s wise counsel, Dasharatha, the tiger among men, was advised to set out in person, accompanied by his army and retinue, to seek the fulfillment of his heart’s desire. Hearing these words, Dasharatha’s heart filled with delight. He took counsel with the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha and listened carefully to Sumantra’s advice. Then, gathering his inner court and ministers, Dasharatha journeyed forth to the dwelling of the illustrious Brahmin, moving steadily through forests and across rivers. At last, he arrived at the hermitage where the eminent sage, closely associated with King Romapada, resided. As Dasharatha approached, he beheld the sage’s son, blazing with the radiance of fire. The king honored him with all due respect, offering special reverence to this remarkable Brahmin youth. Because of the deep friendship between Dasharatha and King Romapada, Romapada joyfully recounted all matters to the wise sage’s son. He honored him with the bonds of friendship and kinship, and thus, Dasharatha, the best of men, was warmly received and stayed there contentedly. After seven or eight days had passed, Romapada spoke to Dasharatha, saying, “O lord of men, your daughter Shanta is here with her husband.” Dasharatha replied, “Let her return to my city, for a great task awaits us.” Romapada agreed and promised the wise one that she might depart. He then addressed the Brahmin, “Go with your wife.” The sage’s son accepted, saying to the king, “So be it.” With the king’s permission, the Brahmin and his wife prepared to leave, exchanging affectionate farewells with joined palms and warm embraces. Dasharatha and Romapada rejoiced together, and after taking leave of his friend, Dasharatha, the descendant of Raghu, set out on his return. He sent swift messengers ahead to the citizens, commanding, “Let the entire city be splendidly adorned at once.” The people were instructed to perfume, sprinkle, and clean the streets, and to decorate the city with flags. The delighted citizens, hearing that the king was returning, rejoiced and carried out his commands with enthusiasm. When Dasharatha entered the beautifully decorated city, the air resounded with the blaring of conches and drums. The foremost of Brahmins was led at the head of the procession, and the citizens, seeing the illustrious sage, were filled with great joy. The king, acting with the might of Indra, honored the Brahmin, bringing him into the palace with the same reverence that Indra shows to Kasyapa in heaven. In the inner chambers, Dasharatha performed the prescribed worship according to the sacred texts, feeling fulfilled by the Brahmin’s presence. Within the peaceful inner apartments, the wide-eyed queen and her husband rejoiced together. The queen, honored by the women of the palace and especially by the king, stayed there happily with the Brahmin for some time. Now, listen to the next chapter in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. After much time had passed, in a delightful season when spring had arrived, King Dasharatha’s longing for a son grew stronger, and he resolved to perform a great sacrifice. Bowing reverently to the radiant Brahmin, he requested him to perform a sacrifice for the sake of progeny and the continuation of his family line. The Brahmin consented, saying, “So be it,” and instructed the king, “Let the preparations be made, and let the horse be released. Prepare the sacrificial ground on the northern bank of the Sarayu.” Dasharatha then summoned the Brahmins learned in the Vedas, instructing Sumantra to quickly bring Suyajña, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kāśyapa, and the family priest Vasiṣṭha, along with all other excellent Brahmins. Sumantra, swift and energetic, brought all these learned Brahmins before the king. Dasharatha honored them with due respect and spoke gentle, righteous words: “For me, who am afflicted for want of a son, there is truly no happiness. For the sake of a son, I wish to perform the horse sacrifice; this is my heart’s desire. By the power of the sage’s son, I too shall obtain my wish.” The Brahmins, led by Vasiṣṭha and with Ṛśyaśṛṅga at their head, praised the king’s words, saying, “Well spoken!” They assured him, “You will surely obtain four sons of immeasurable valor, for your righteous intention for a son has arisen.” Pleased by the words of the twice-born, Dasharatha joyfully spoke to his ministers, uttering auspicious commands: “By the elders’ direction, let the preparations for the sacrifice be made swiftly. Let the horse, under the supervision of a capable overseer and accompanied by a teacher, be released. Prepare the sacrificial ground on the northern bank of the Sarayu, and let the rites of pacification be performed according to the prescribed rules.” He reminded his ministers, “This sacrifice can indeed be performed by any king of the earth, but let there be no grave error in this most excellent ritual. The learned Brahma-rakshasas search out flaws; if a sacrifice is performed without proper procedure, its performer is immediately destroyed. Therefore, let this sacrifice be completed for me in full accordance with the prescribed rules; let those skilled in the tasks arrange everything accordingly.” Thus, with great care and devotion, King Dasharatha began the preparations for the sacred rite that would bring forth his illustrious sons.