Bala Kanda, Sarga 8

Meaning

There was no son to perpetuate the line of the magnanimous King Daśaratha, whose glory has been depicted above (in the foregoing canto) and who knew what is right, even though he had been grieving for want of a son. (1)

Meaning

While the high-souled king was reflecting on the matter once, the following idea occurred to him : “Why not propitiate the Deity by means of a horse-sacrifice in order to be blessed with a son?” (2)

Meaning

Having made a firm resolve in consultation with all his counsellors of pure intellect that a sacrifice must be performed, the wise king, whose mind was devoted to righteousness and who was possessed of uncommon glory, forthwith said to Sumantra, “O jewel among ministers, please fetch speedily all my celebrated preceptors including family priests.” (3-4)

Meaning

Proceeding at once with quick steps, the said Sumantra thereupon brought together in a body the aforesaid preceptors, all of whom had mastered the Vedas. (5)

Meaning

Treating with honour Suyajña and Vāmadeva, Jābāli and Kāśyapa, the sage Vasiṣṭha, his family priest, and whoever other jewels among Brāhmaṇas were present there, the pious-minded King Daśaratha then spoke to them the following sweet words full of righteousness and purpose : (6-7)

Meaning

“Indeed there has been no joy for me, as I have been always wailing for a son all these years. In order to be blessed with a son I shall propitiate the Lord through a horse-sacrifice : such is my intention. (8)

Meaning

“I, therefore, wish to perform the aforesaid sacrifice according to the rites prescribed in the scriptures. How shall I be able to attain the object of my desire? A plan towards this end may kindly be devised by you.” (9)

Meaning

Thereupon all the Brāhmaṇas headed by the sage Vasiṣṭha acclaimed the aforesaid proposal put forth by the king with his own mouth, in the words “Well conceived !” “Excellent !!” (10)

Meaning

Nay, highly pleased, they all tendered the following advice to Daśaratha : “The well-known requisites for the performance of a horse-sacrifice may be got together and the horse (to be sacrificed) be released. (11)

Meaning

“Also let a sacrificial ground be prepared on the northern bank of the holy Sarayū. Through the contemplated sacrifice you will at all events get sons desired by you, O ruler of the earth—you, to whom such a pious idea for getting a son has occurred.” The king was pleased to hear the aforesaid utterance of the Brāhmaṇas. With eyes rolling through delight, the king then said to the ministers, “Under orders of my preceptors, let the requisite materials for the sacrifice be got ready now. (12—14)

Meaning

“Let the sacrificial horse be released under the superintendence of (four hundred2 Kṣatriya) princes capable of guarding and controlling it, alongwith the arch priest (who is required to pour oblations into the sacrificial fire at every stride the horse takes in the course of its wanderings over the globe). And let a sacrificial ground be prepared on the northern bank of the holy Sarayū. (15)4

Meaning

“Let propitiatory rites intended to avert evils be elaborately gone through in the proper order of sequence and in accordance with the scriptural ordinance. This horse-sacrifice is capable of being accomplished by any and every monarch provided there is no grievous transgression in the shape of omission of certain essential rites made in the course of this pre-eminent sacrificial performance; for Brāhmaṇas that have attained the form of an ogre (due to omission of Mantras and rites), though well-versed in the science of ritual acts are on the lookout for minor transgressions (in order to get an opportunity to spoil the sacrifice and thereby get the share of the gods). (16-17)

Meaning

“He who undertakes a sacrificial performance bereft of the prescribed procedure forthwith perishes. Therefore, steps may be taken to ensure that this sacrificial undertaking of mine is concluded in accordance with the prescribed procedure; for you are capable of doing all this.” Hearing the aforesaid instructions of Daśaratha, the king of kings, in order of sequence, and treated with honour by the Emperor, all those counsellors said “Amen !” Likewise did the aforesaid Brāhmaṇas too, including the family and other priests, who knew what is right, said “Amen !”, felicitating Daśaratha, a jewel among the kings, and, then, permitted by him, all withdrew even as they had come. Having sent away the aforesaid Brāhmaṇas, the emperor spoke to the ministers as follows : “Let the sacrifice recommended by the priests be duly brought to a successful conclusion.” Having said so and sent away the ministers present in the assembly, the highly intelligent Daśaratha, a lion among the rulers of men, retired to his gynaeceum. Seeking his favourite consorts mentioned above, entitled as they were to participate in the sacrifice, the aforesaid monarch then said to them, “I shall perform a sacrifice for the sake of a son; be prepared to undergo consecration for the said ceremony alongwith me.” At the aforesaid utterance of their husband, which was most pleasing to hear, the lotus-like faces of the glorious queens brightened like lotus flowers at the expiry of the cold season. (18—24)