Dasaratha’s Desire
However, despite having all the opulences a man and a king could desire, Dasaratha was not happy. The reason: he couldn’t have children. He had three wives, Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi, three women of noble birth and virtuous heart, but who for unknown reasons could not bear him children. One day, the king summoned his advisers.
“Dear ones, you know the problem that has been bothering me for a long time. It is like a thorn in the side that does not give peace to either me or my wives. I have not been able to understand why I am unable to have children. Time is running out, and I would not want to get too close to the old age before having reaped the fruits of life. I would like to know from you if sacrifices are foreseen in the Vedas in order to propitiate the Devas. Is it possible to do something about this problem? You are all learned and have studied the scriptures in all their details. I’m sure if anything could be done, you should know.”
“Good King,” said Vasistha, as the spokesman for all the others, “certainly, there is a sacrifice which can propitiate the Devas, and I am sure they will fulfill your desire. This sacrifice is Asvamedha. We are sure that if you do it, you will soon have a child who will exactly match your best wishes.”
They discussed it for a long time. Eventually everyone agreed on the need to celebrate Asvamedha-yajna.
The next day, Sumantra, addressing the king as they discussed the preparation of the sacrifice, wanted to tell a story.
This is a section of the book “The Ramayana”, in English.
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