The Ashvamedha Yagna Begins

Preparations for King Dasaratha's Horse Sacrifice (Shlokas 1.13.1 - 1.13.20)

The King's Decision (1.13.1 - 1.13.4)

A year passed, and spring returned. King Dasaratha, known for his valor, entered the sacrificial pavilion. His purpose: to perform an Ashvamedha Yagna (Horse Sacrifice) to beget sons.

Dasaratha approached the sage Vasishta with reverence. He offered salutations and worship according to tradition, then spoke humbly:

"O foremost of ascetics, O Brahman (learned priest), please conduct my sacrifice as tradition dictates. Ensure no obstacles arise during the crucial parts of the ritual. You are my:

• Affectionate friend

• Most revered spiritual guide

• The one to bear this sacrificial burden"

Vasishta's Response and Instructions (1.13.5 - 1.13.15)

Vasishta, the best among Brahmins, replied, "I shall fulfill everything as you propose."

He then summoned various groups essential for the sacrifice:

1. Experienced, righteous Brahmins versed in sacrificial rites

2. Skilled architects and workers

3. Craftsmen:

   • Brick makers

   • Carpenters

   • Diggers

4. Artisans and accountants

5. Performers:

   • Dancers

   • Actors

6. Scholars:

   • Men well-versed in scriptures

   • Honest, well-informed individuals

Vasishta instructed them:

• Begin the sacrificial work as per the king's command

• Bring thousands of bricks

• Erect comfortable temporary residences for royal guests

• Prepare hundreds of auspicious dwellings for Brahmins, well-stocked with food and drinks

• Arrange spacious accommodations for visitors from other towns, providing various foods and entertainment

• Offer high-quality food to rural people, treating them respectfully according to tradition

Vasishta emphasized:

• Treat all castes (varnas) with honor

• Avoid insults stemming from greed, anger, or lust

• Give special honors to those deeply involved in sacrifice-related activities and to sculptors

• Ensure their contentment with money and food

Finally, Vasishta urged them to manage everything meticulously, leaving nothing out, and to carry out the work with love and affection.

The Workers' Response (1.13.16 - 1.13.17)

All workers approached Vasishta, assuring him:

"Everything is well-arranged as instructed. There are no deficiencies. We will execute all tasks as directed, omitting nothing, no matter how small."

Inviting the Guests (1.13.18 - 1.13.20)

Vasishta summoned Sumantra (the minister) and instructed him to invite:

1. All righteous kings on earth

2. People from all four main castes, by the thousands, from all countries:

   • Brahmins (priests and scholars)

   • Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers)

   • Vaishyas (traders and merchants)

   • Shudras (laborers and artisans)

Vasishta specifically mentioned inviting King Janaka of Mithila, describing him as:

• A great warrior with true heroic valor

• Proficient in all scriptures and Vedas (ancient sacred texts)

• An old ally of King Dasaratha

Invitations and Commencement of Dasaratha's Horse Sacrifice (Shlokas 1.13.21 - 1.13.37)

Special Invitations (1.13.21 - 1.13.26)

Vasishta continued instructing Sumantra to invite specific kings:

1. King Janaka of Mithila:

   • "Escort him personally with due honors," Vasishta said.

   • "He's an old ally, hence my mentioning him first."

2. King of Kashi (Varanasi):

   • Known for being affectionate and pleasant in speech

   • A friend to Dasaratha, "the lion among kings"

3. The elderly King of Kekaya:

   • Renowned for his righteousness

   • Dasaratha's father-in-law

   • To be invited with his sons

4. King Romapada of Anga:

   • Described as prosperous and famous

   • Another close friend of Dasaratha

Vasishta then directed Sumantra to invite rulers from various regions:

• Eastern countries

• Sindhu and Sauvira

• Saurashtra

• Southern kingdoms

He concluded, "Swiftly invite all other friendly kings from across the earth, along with their retinues, families, and relatives."

Sumantra's Actions (1.13.27 - 1.13.28)

Hearing Vasishta's instructions, Sumantra acted promptly:

1. He sent virtuous emissaries to bring the kings.

2. Following the sage's order, Sumantra himself set out to escort Janaka and other key kings.

Preparations Completed (1.13.29 - 1.13.30)

All workers reported to the wise Vasishta about the completed tasks for the sacrifice. Pleased, Vasishta addressed them:

"Remember these important points:

• Never offer anything with disregard or contempt.

• Gifts given with contempt may lead to the donor's downfall."

Arrival of Kings (1.13.31 - 1.13.33)

After several days and nights, kings from various countries arrived, bringing numerous gifts for King Dasaratha.

Vasishta, well-pleased, informed Dasaratha:

"O best among men, kings from various lands have arrived at your command. I have extended due hospitality to these noble kings according to their rank."

Final Preparations (1.13.34 - 1.13.35)

Vasishta continued his report to Dasaratha:

"O King, people with focused minds have completed all preparations for the yaga (sacrifice). Please proceed to the nearby sacrificial ground to perform the yaga.

O foremost of kings, you should see the sacrificial ground. It's filled with sources of entertainment arranged everywhere, as if crafted by imagination itself."

Commencement of the Sacrifice (1.13.36 - 1.13.37)

Following the guidance of both Vasishta and Rishyashringa (another sage), Dasaratha, lord of the earth, entered the sacrificial pavilion on an auspicious day under a favorable star.

Then, led by Vasishta and headed by Rishyashringa, the best of Brahmins (priests and scholars) entered the sacred sacrificial enclosure. They began the sacrificial rites in accordance with scriptural laws and traditions.

This concludes the thirteenth chapter (sarga) of Balakanda, the first book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.