King Daśaratha, yearning for a son, gathered all the Brahmins learned in the Vedas and honored them with due respect. With gentle words, grounded in righteousness and purpose, he spoke: “I find no happiness, for I am afflicted by the absence of a son. For this reason, I wish to perform the horse sacrifice; it is my intention to undertake this sacred rite.” He expressed his hope that, through the power of the sage’s son, his desires might be fulfilled. The Brahmins, hearing these words, praised him, declaring them well spoken. Led by Vasiṣṭha and Ṛśyaśṛṅga, all the Brahmins responded to the king’s plea. They assured him, “You will surely obtain four sons of immeasurable valor, since your righteous longing for a son has arisen.” Filled with joy upon hearing these auspicious words, Daśaratha addressed his ministers: “By the command of the elders, let the preparations for the sacrifice be quickly arranged. 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 and procedures. This sacrifice can indeed be performed by any king of the earth; let there be no grave 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 for me in full accordance with the prescribed rules; let those skilled in the tasks arrange everything accordingly.” The ministers replied, “So be it,” and honored the king’s command, carrying it out as instructed. The Brahmins praised Daśaratha, the knower of righteousness, and, having been permitted, departed as they had come. When the Brahmins had gone, the wise king dismissed his ministers and entered his palace. When spring returned and a full year had passed, Daśaratha, mighty in resolve, set out to perform the horse sacrifice for the sake of offspring. He respectfully greeted and honored Vasiṣṭha, then humbly spoke to the foremost of Brahmins about his desire for progeny: “O Brahmin, let the sacrifice be performed for me as prescribed, O best of sages, so that no obstacles may arise in any part of the ritual. You are affectionate, a true friend to me, and my supreme and great teacher; the burden of this sacrifice, now undertaken, must be borne by you.” Vasiṣṭha replied, “So be it; I will accomplish all that you have resolved.” Vasiṣṭha then addressed the aged Brahmins, well-versed in sacrificial rites, as well as the senior, most righteous masters of construction. He summoned skilled artisans, carpenters, diggers, calculators, craftsmen, actors, and dancers. He also called upon pure and learned men, versed in the scriptures: “Let the sacrifice be undertaken by you all, by the king’s command.” He instructed them to bring thousands of bricks quickly and to make all necessary preparations with great care and excellence. Hundreds of auspicious dwellings for Brahmins were to be constructed, well-equipped and furnished with abundant food and drink. Spacious accommodations were to be arranged for townspeople and separately for the kings arriving from distant lands. Stables for horses and elephants, sleeping quarters, and large residences for soldiers and foreign guests were also to be prepared. Vasiṣṭha emphasized that food must be given properly and with respect, so that all castes receive due honor and are well attended. No disrespect should be shown, even out of desire or anger, to those engaged in the sacrificial tasks, including the artisans. They too must be especially honored in due order, with gifts and meals. Everything was to be arranged so that nothing was lacking, and all were to act with minds full of joy and devotion. All assembled and said to Vasiṣṭha, “Everything has been properly arranged as you wished; nothing is left incomplete. We will do as you have instructed; nothing will be neglected.” Vasiṣṭha then summoned Sumantra and instructed him: “Invite the righteous kings of the earth, as well as thousands of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Bring, with due honor, people from all regions, especially Janaka, the brave and truthful lord of Mithila. Bring that illustrious one yourself, treating him with great respect, for he is an old ally; therefore, I mention him first. Likewise, bring the affectionate and always kindly-spoken king of Kāśi, of noble conduct and godlike appearance, yourself. Also bring the aged and supremely righteous king of the Kekayas, the father-in-law of the lion among kings, along with his sons. Bring Romapāda, the lord of Aṅga, mighty with the bow and well-honored, the friend of the lion among kings, together with his sons.” Thus, the preparations for the horse sacrifice were set in motion, with every detail attended to and every guest summoned, so that the great rite would be performed flawlessly and in fulfillment of King Daśaratha’s heartfelt desire.