The Story of King Sagara and the 60,000 Sons

King Sagara of Ayodhya, with wives Kesini and Sumati, seeks divine boons for children. Their choices lead to the birth of Asamanjasa and 60,000 sons, shaping a legendary dynasty. 

Viswamitra Continues the Tale (1.38.1 - 1.38.2)

Viswamitra, a descendant of Kusika, finished telling Rama the story of Karthikeya. He then began to narrate another tale:

"In ancient times, there was a brave and righteous king named Sagara who ruled Ayodhya. Despite his virtues, Sagara was childless and longed for offspring.

Sagara's Wives (1.38.3 - 1.38.4)

Sagara had two wives:

1. Kesini: The eldest wife, daughter of the king of Vidarbha. She was known for her righteousness and truthfulness.

2. Sumati: The second wife, daughter of Arishtanemi. Her beauty was unmatched on earth.

The King's Austerities (1.38.5 - 1.38.6)

Accompanied by his wives, King Sagara traveled to the Himavat mountains. There, on a peak called Bhriguprasravana (a place associated with sage Bhrigu), he engaged in severe austerities for a hundred years. Pleased by Sagara's devotion, the sage Bhrigu, known for his truthfulness, appeared to grant the king a boon.

The Boon of Children (1.38.7 - 1.38.10)

Bhrigu blessed Sagara, saying, "O blameless one, you will have a great progeny and unparalleled fame in this world."

He then offered a choice:

• One wife would bear a son to continue the family line.

• The other would give birth to 60,000 sons.

The wives, delighted, asked Bhrigu which of them would have one son and which would have many. The sage left the decision to them.

The Wives' Choices (1.38.11 - 1.38.14)

Bhrigu asked, "Who wants a single son to continue the dynasty, and who wants many mighty, famous sons?"

Kesini chose to have one son who would perpetuate the family line.

Sumati, who was the sister of Garuda (the divine eagle and vehicle of Lord Vishnu), opted for 60,000 sons endowed with fame and great perseverance.

Return to Ayodhya (1.38.15 - 1.38.16)

After receiving the blessings, King Sagara and his wives circumambulated sage Bhrigu, bowed in reverence, and returned to their capital.

In due time, Kesini gave birth to a son named Asamanjasa.

Birth of 60,000 Sons (1.38.17 - 1.38.19)

Meanwhile, Sumati's pregnancy took an unusual turn. She gave birth to a gourd-like object. When it burst open, 60,000 sons emerged. The nurses placed these sons in pots filled with clarified butter to nurture them. After a long time, all 60,000 sons grew into handsome and strong young men.

The Misdeeds of Asamanjasa (1.38.20 - 1.38.22)

Asamanjasa, Sagara's eldest son, developed cruel habits. He would seize children, throw them into the Sarayu river, and laugh as they drowned. Due to his evil actions and the torment he caused to citizens, Asamanjasa was banished from the capital.

However, Asamanjasa's son, Anshuman, was different. He was valiant, beloved by all, and known for his courteous speech.

Sagara's Sacrifice (1.38.23 - 1.38.24)

After a long time, King Sagara decided to perform a great sacrifice. Well-versed in the Vedas, he began the preparatory rites for the sacrifice in the company of learned priests.

Thus ends the thirty eighth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.