The wise and learned Brahma-rakshasas are ever watchful for faults, and should a sacrifice be performed without strict adherence to the proper procedures, its performer is instantly ruined. Thus, the king declared, “Let this sacrifice be completed for me in full accordance with the prescribed rules; let those skilled in each task arrange everything as required.” All the ministers, affirming his command with, “So be it,” honored his words and set about their duties exactly as instructed. Thereafter, the twice-born Brahmins praised the king, recognizing him as a knower of righteousness. With his permission, they departed as they had come. Once the Brahmins had left, the wise king dismissed his ministers and quietly entered his own palace. Now, listen to the thirteenth chapter in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, within the Bāla Kāṇḍa. When spring returned and a full year had passed, the mighty king Daśaratha resolved to perform the horse sacrifice, yearning for offspring. With great respect, he greeted and honored the illustrious sage Vasiṣṭha, and humbly spoke to him of his longing for children. “O Brahmin,” he implored, “let the sacrifice be performed for me exactly as prescribed, O best of sages, so that no obstacle may arise at any stage of the ritual. You are affectionate toward me, a true friend, and my supreme and great teacher. I entrust the burden of this sacrifice, now undertaken, to you.” The best of Brahmins replied, “So be it. I will accomplish all that you have resolved.” Then Vasiṣṭha addressed the aged Brahmins, those well-versed in sacrificial rites, as well as the senior, most righteous masters of construction. He summoned skilled artisans, carpenters, diggers, calculators, craftsmen, and also actors and dancers. He called upon pure and learned men, those deeply versed in the scriptures, saying, “Let the sacrifice be undertaken by you all, by the king’s command.” He instructed: “Let thousands of bricks be quickly brought, and make all necessary preparations for the king with great care and excellence. Construct hundreds of auspicious dwellings for Brahmins, well-equipped and furnished with abundant food and drink. Likewise, arrange spacious accommodations for the townspeople, and separately for the kings who will arrive from distant lands. Prepare stables for horses and elephants, sleeping quarters, and large residences for soldiers and foreign guests.” Vasiṣṭha further directed, “Food must be given properly and with respect, never carelessly, 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 proper order, so that all are respected with gifts and meals. Let everything be arranged so that nothing is lacking; do this with minds full of joy and devotion.” Soon, all those assembled came to Vasiṣṭha and declared, “Everything has been properly arranged as you wished; nothing is left incomplete. We will do as you have instructed; nothing will be neglected.” Then Vasiṣṭha summoned Sumantra and said, “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 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. Likewise, bring the well-cultured king Bhānumant of Kosala, and the brave and learned lord of Magadha, master of all sciences. Bring the wise, most generous, and honored best among men, who knows the proper time to arrive. Take the king’s command and urge the foremost kings—those of the East, Sindhu, Sauvīra, and Saurāṣṭra. Summon all the southern kings, and any other friendly rulers who dwell upon the earth. Bring them quickly, together with their retinues and relatives; send for them with noble messengers, by the king’s command.” Hearing Vasiṣṭha’s words, Sumantra at once ordered the worthy men present to go and bring the kings. Obeying the sage’s instruction, the righteous Sumantra himself, swift and wise, set out to gather them. Meanwhile, all those in charge of the preparations reported everything that had been arranged for the sacrifice to the great sage Vasiṣṭha. The delighted best of twice-born sages addressed them all, saying, “Let nothing be given with disrespect or carelessness to anyone. If anything is given with disrespect, it destroys the giver—of this there is no doubt.” Within a few days and nights, the kings arrived, bringing many jewels for King Daśaratha. Vasiṣṭha, well pleased, spoke to the king, his heart full of joy at the flawless preparations and the gathering of the noble assembly.