Page:Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists.djvu/47

 Dasharatha and the Horse Sacrifice

There was once a great and beautiful city called Ayodhya—that is, "Unconquerable"—in the country of Koshala. There all men were righteous and happy, well read and contented, truthful, well provided with goods, self-re strained and charitable and full of faith. Its king was Dasharatha, a veritable Manu amongst men, a moon amongst the stars. He had many wise counsellors, amongst whom were Kashyapa and Markandeya, and he had also two saintly priests attached to his family, namely, Vashishtha and Vamadeva. To another great sage, Rishyasringa, he gave his daughter Santa. His ministers were such men as could keep their counsel and judge of things finely; they were well versed in the arts of policy and ever fair-spoken. Only one desire of Dasharatha's was unsatisfied : he had no son to carry on his line. Because of this, after many vain austerities, he determined at last on the greatest of all offerings—a horse sacrifice; and calling the family priests and other Brahmans, he gave all necessary orders for this undertaking. Then, returning to the inner rooms of the palace, he told his three wives what had been set afoot, whereat their faces shone with joy, like lotus-flowers in early spring.

When a year had passed the horse that had been set free returned, and Rishyasringa and Vashishtha performed the ceremony, and there was great festivity and gladness. Then Rishyasringa told the king that four sons would be born to him, perpetuators of his race; at which sweet words the king rejoiced exceedingly.

Vishnu is born as Rama and his Brothers Now at this time all the deities were there assembled to receive their share of the offerings made, and being