Bala khandam  Sargham 12

Ashwamedha Yagnya

Preface

After long time the Spring which titillates all Living beings came.

Dasratha decided to conduct Ashwamedha Yagnya. Dasratha prostrated in front of the Rishi who was radiating like Deva Rishi(Celestial Saint) and requested thus “Please conduct Ashwamedha yagnay wherby my Lineage grows, Before please do become Brahma in the Sangrahani Havan”. Rishi replied “ Let it be so. Please make arrangement for materials for the yagam. Please send the Yaga Horse on circling the Earth.” King Dasaratha asked Sunmanthara “Pl invite all the Great exponents of Vedas such Sages Suyangnya, Vamadeva,Jhabaali, Kashyapa, Vasishta and all other eminent Bramhins and bring them as over in the releavant chariots. After the saints reached;Dasratha addressed them as “ Hey Rishis,I am sad without the privilege of having my own Children and what is the use of all the comforts ? Hence please conduct the Ashwamedha Yagnya as per the rituals and thus impeding Sins, which is preventing my having children will be vanquished , with the Blessings of you Rishis, I am going to beget children”.Thus Dasratha spoke in consonance with Dharma in a befitting manner pleasing to the Rishis.

The Rishis blessed and appreciated Dasratha for his thoughts. And said “ Since with noble thought you have decided to perform Ashwamedha yagnya you will beget 4 Strong Courageous Sons so you can organize for the Yaga and start the same”.

Dasaratha was happy and told ministers “ please organize the requisite materials ( Samagri) for performing the yagnya as ordered by Sage Vasishta. Please arrange to send the Horse with suitable capable Warriors and Priests for going around the world. Please construct the Yaga performing site north of Sarayuriver. May the Shanthi Puja which will remove obstacles be performed as per Kalpasuthra. Brahmaraakshasa who were well verse with shortcoming in yagnya will take the opportunity to spoil the same. If it is possible to conduct the Yagnya without faults so easily then all the Kings will perform it. So it is your responsibility toconduct his Yaga without any shortcomings. Since you have the requiste capability I am entrusting this to you”. Ministers said as per your order we will carry out the same. All functions from Sangrahanihoma till seeing off the Yaga Horse was done.The Brahmins appreciated Dasaratha who was Learned of all Dahrmas and took leave. Therafter King saw off the Ministers and retired to his Bedroom.

(Slokas 21)

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