Dasaratha decided to conduct AshwamedhaYagnya
Origin
This was instrumental in Maha Vishnu’s Avathar (incarnation).
Dasratha was Dharmathma(Rigteous person) and his fame spread Far and wide but he was childless despite all measures for 60,000 long years. Sulking what else to do and conferred with his ministers that only way to get rid of these Sins is to perform Ashwamedhayagnya and they readily agreed. Then he addressed “ Sumanthara please go and fetch the Priests and Acharyas(Teachers)”. Immediately Sumanthara orgainsed to get Acharya Vasishta and other pundits in Veda, Vedanthas such as Sooyagnya,Vamadeva, Jhabaali,Kashyapa Munis and other Brahmins. Dharmathama Dasratha received them with reverence and addressed them “ Great sages, when I do not have Son to increase the Lineage what is the use of this Kingdom and Power? The sins which prevents growth of Children can be vanquished by only performing Ashwamedayagnya so do I premise. Please contemplate how my desire can be fulfilled”
The great Sages were pleased with Dasaratha’s words for they were in consnace with Dharma ( Just and Righteousness) as well as Artha( Worldly requieremnts). Since your thoughts have gone towards Dharmic actions , you will beget Children because of this Ashwamedhayagam”We can organize and send the Horse to go around the world.
Dasratha was immeasurablly happy with glowing eyes said “ Hey Ministers please arrange for yaga Samgri(materials needed to perform sacrifice) as instructed by Sage Vasishta. Mobilise Forces who can guard the Horse for this Yagam, and send it for circling this earth with requsite pundits. Please make the Yagasala(Sacrificial Place) north of Sarayuriver.As per kalpasuthra please perform Shanthi Homa to prevent Obstacles. Many Brahmaraakshasaas wait for an opportunity for spoiling such Yagams. If any mistakes happen in the conduct of the yag it is bad for the Master. If such dangers were not prelevant all the kings would have conducted this yagam frequently.So find out how this can be done with out obstacles and as per the Rules. Since you are all able persons I am entrusting the responsibilities to you all. Ministers agreed that they will do accordingly. Then Brahmins blessed the king and went back to their Cottages. Therafter King left for his Harem.He called his affectionate 3 Queens “ to beget children I am conducting an Ashwamedhayagnya. You people also get Deeksha. Hearig this faces of Queens bloomed like the Lotus when fog goes away. (Slokas 24)
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