THE HORSE-SACRIFICE BEGUN
A year passed by. And Spring came to gladden men’s heart. Dasaratha went to the sacrificial grounds to begin the horse-sacrifice. He bowed before Vasishtha. “Holy one! You are my guide. Your words light up my path. I pray you to perform the sacrifice for me. No room should be given to the evil-minded Rakshashas.
“Well, it shall be even as you desire,” rejoined Vashistha.
He then sent for the Brahmins. Those Brahmins were skilled in the performance of every sacrifice. The ministers and servants were placed at their disposal for collecting material for the sacrifice. Vasishtha said to the priests to watch every detail of the sacrifice. “Bricklayers Get ready,” he said to them, “hundreds of thousands of bricks. Servants! You erect mansions for the royal guests. The mansions should be broad and high. They should be proof against wind and rain. Also erect charming residences for the Brahmins, for our townsmen and those come from our vast kingdom. Look to it that these residences are amply provided with provisions and all other requirements. The officers of the king should receive everyone with kindness. Every one should be honoured with garlands and sweet perfume. Never show the masons, the sculptors, the architects, the servants any disrespect. Entertain them right royally. Let them have food, clothing, and money. Keep your eyes on every class of men and they must go back fully satisfied.”
And they all replied in one voice, “Holiest of sages! Your words shall be upon our heads. We shall carry them out to the letter.”
Vasishtha then turned towards Sumantra and said, “Send invitations to every king on the face of the earth. You should request in person Janaka, the Lord of Mithila and the king of Kasi and the ruler of Kekaya and Romapada, the king of Anga. Also invite kings of Sindhu, Sauvira, Saurashtra and the numerous kingdoms in the South and East and West.
And Sumantra did so.
Then the officers and servants reported to Vashistha that they had done their allotted duty fully.
In a short time, the kings of the Earth came to the capital of Dasaratha. Then Vasishtha addressed himself to the king and said, “Noble king! The rulers of the Earth are come. And I have received them right royally. Your officers have made all arrangements for the rite. The Sacrificial grounds are ready to receive your Majesty. May it please your Majesty to come and have a look at them.
And Dasaratha set out at the auspicious time to the sacrificial grounds. He was accompanied with Vasishtha and Vamadeva. Then began the great Horse-sacrifice. It began under the watchful eyes of Vasishth, Rishyasringa and the other sages.
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