Accompanied by his trusted ministers and members of his inner court, King Dasharatha journeyed slowly through forests and across rivers toward the dwelling of a venerable Brahmin. He approached the place where the eminent sage resided—this sage being closely associated with King Romapada—and drew near to the Brahmin, who shone with the brilliance of fire. Upon meeting the sage’s son, Dasharatha offered him the highest honors, treating him with special reverence. Because of his deep friendship with King Dasharatha, Romapada, filled with great joy, spoke openly to the wise sage’s son, sharing all that had transpired. The king welcomed the Brahmin with the bonds of friendship and kinship, and thus the best of men was graciously received and remained there for some time. After seven or eight days had passed, King Romapada addressed 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 lies ahead.” Romapada agreed and promised the wise Brahmin that this would be done. He then spoke to the Brahmin, “Go with your wife,” and the sage’s son replied, “So be it.” With the king’s permission, the Brahmin and his wife prepared to depart; out of affection, they joined their palms and embraced each other. Both Dasharatha and the mighty Romapada rejoiced at this happy union. After taking leave of his friend, Dasharatha, the illustrious descendant of Raghu, set out on his return journey. He sent swift messengers ahead to the citizens of his city, instructing them, “Let the entire city be quickly and splendidly adorned!” The people were to perfume, sprinkle, and clean the streets, and decorate the city with flags. News of the king’s return spread delight among the citizens, who hastened to carry out his orders. When all was prepared, Dasharatha entered the beautifully decorated city. Conches and drums resounded as the foremost of Brahmins was led at the front. All the citizens, beholding the sage, were filled with great joy. The Brahmin was honored by Dasharatha, who acted with the might of Indra, and was welcomed just as Kasyapa is received by Indra in the heavens. After bringing the Brahmin into the royal inner chambers and performing the prescribed worship according to the sacred texts, the king felt fulfilled, having accomplished this noble task. The queen, her eyes wide with joy, saw the peaceful inner apartments and, together with her husband, was filled with happiness. Honored by the women of the palace and especially by the king, Shanta remained there happily for some time with the Brahmin. 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 felt the desire to perform a great sacrifice. With humility, he bowed to the radiant Brahmin and requested him to perform a sacrifice for the sake of progeny and the continuation of his royal line. The Brahmin replied, “So be it,” and instructed the king, “Let all preparations be made, and let the sacrificial horse be released. The sacrificial ground should be prepared on the northern bank of the Sarayu.” Dasharatha then called for the Brahmins learned in the Vedas, saying to Sumantra, “Quickly summon the officiating priests—Suyajña, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, and Kāśyapa—as well as our family priest Vasiṣṭha, and all other excellent Brahmins.” Sumantra, swift and energetic, brought all these wise men, and the righteous king honored them. With gentle words, proper and full of purpose, Dasharatha addressed the assembled Brahmins: “For me, afflicted by the lack of a son, there is truly no happiness. For the sake of a son, I wish to perform a horse sacrifice; this is my intention. By the power of the sage’s son, I too shall fulfill my desires.” The Brahmins praised his words, exclaiming, “Well spoken!” Led by Vasiṣṭha and with Ṛśyaśṛṅga at their head, the Brahmins responded to the king’s plea. They assured him, “You will surely obtain four sons of immeasurable valor, since your righteous desire for a son has arisen.” Pleased by these auspicious words, Dasharatha joyfully addressed his ministers: “By the command of the elders, let all preparations for the sacrifice be made at once; let the horse, under proper supervision and accompanied by a teacher, be released. Prepare the sacrificial ground on the northern bank of the Sarayu, and perform the rites of pacification according to the prescribed rules.” He continued, “This sacrifice can indeed be performed by any king of the earth; let there be no error in this most excellent ritual. The learned Brahma-rakshasas seek out flaws; if a sacrifice is performed without proper procedure, its performer is immediately destroyed. Therefore, let this sacrifice be completed in full accordance with the sacred rules; let those skilled in the task arrange everything accordingly.” The ministers, honoring the king’s command, replied, “So be it,” and set about their duties as instructed. The twice-born Brahmins praised the king for his righteousness, and, having been permitted, departed as they had come. When the Brahmins had gone, the wise king dismissed his ministers and retired to his own palace, his heart filled with hope for the fulfillment of his deepest wish.