Then, in preparation for the great sacrifice, the king addressed the venerable Brahmins—those advanced in age and deeply learned in the sacred rites—as well as the senior and most righteous masters of construction. He summoned all the skilled artisans: carpenters, diggers, calculators, and craftsmen, along with actors and dancers, to lend their expertise and artistry to the grand event. He also called upon pure and learned men, those deeply versed in the scriptures, and spoke to them: “By the king’s command, let the sacrifice be undertaken by you all.” He instructed that thousands of bricks be swiftly brought, and that all necessary preparations for the king’s sacrifice be made with the greatest care and excellence. He ordered that hundreds of auspicious dwellings be constructed for the Brahmins, each well-equipped and furnished with plentiful food and drink. Spacious accommodations were to be arranged for the citizens, and separate arrangements made for the kings who would arrive from distant lands. Stables for horses and elephants, comfortable sleeping quarters, and large residences for soldiers and foreign guests were also to be prepared. The king commanded that food be distributed properly and with respect, ensuring that all castes received due honor and attentive service. No disrespect was to be shown, even out of desire or anger, to any who were engaged in the sacrificial tasks, including the artisans. They too were to be honored in due order, receiving gifts and meals so that all would feel properly respected. Everything was to be arranged so that nothing was lacking, and all were to act with minds full of joy and devotion. Soon, all those assembled approached Vasiṣṭha and reported, “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 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.” He continued, “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. 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 there to 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. Delighted, the best of twice-born sages addressed them all: “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.” And within just a few days and nights, the kings arrived, bringing many jewels for King Daśaratha. Vasiṣṭha, well pleased, spoke to the king: “O tiger among men, the kings have come at your command; I have honored them all as is fitting, O best of kings. All the sacrificial preparations have been properly completed by the attentive men; you may proceed from your residence to the sacrificial ground to perform the rite. Surrounded on all sides by offerings of every desired thing, you should behold, O king, the sacrificial site, crafted as if by the mind itself.” Thus, following the words of both Vasiṣṭha and Ṛśyaśṛṅga, the lord of the earth, King Daśaratha, set out on an auspicious day under a favorable star. All the foremost Brahmins, led by Vasiṣṭha and with Ṛśyaśṛṅga at their head, began the sacrificial rites. They proceeded to the sacrificial enclosure, performing every act according to scripture and proper rule; and the illustrious king, together with his wives, undertook the vow of consecration. This is the fourteenth sarga; listen. When the year was complete and the horse had returned, the king’s sacrifice commenced on the northern bank of the Sarayū. With Ṛśyaśṛṅga at their head, the foremost Brahmins performed the great Aśvamedha sacrifice for this high-souled king. The officiating priests, learned in the Vedas, performed the rites properly, moving about according to scripture and established custom. Having performed the Pravargya and Upasada rites according to the scriptures, the twice-born carried out all the additional rituals as prescribed by the sacred texts.