4 The Sacrifice (1)

The whole city of Ayodhya was filled with excitement as the news of the king's sacrifice spread. In the large public squares, troupes of female dancers depicted the exploits of heroes in Dasarath's line with precise and beautiful gestures while minstrels sang songs about their tales. The temple became crowded with joyful people praying for the success of Dasarath's sacrifice.

While Ayodhya was resonating with the sounds of drums and prayers, the king's priests were set about preparing for the sacrifice. Selecting and consecrating a purebred horse which was free from any blemish, they released it to range freely across the whole country. According to the ritual, wherever the horse went, the residing rulers were called upon to attend the sacrifice and pay homage to Dasarath. Anyone who refused was immediately challenged to a fight. If they were not subjugated, the sacrifice could not proceed. None, however, wished the emperor any ill, so the horse returned back to Ayodhya within one year.

The royal astrologers ascertained the most favourable day for the commencement of the sacrifice. Dasarath headed by Vasishtha and a few other priests and accompanied by his three wives, came to the sacrificial compound, which resembled a convocation of the gods.

Many fires blazed, each dedicated to a different diety and attended to by numerous brahmins (ascetics). The king sat surrounded by brahmins, who consecrated him for the sacrifice. He and his wives made offerings into the fires and joined in the chanting of prayers lead by Vasishtha. Taking the returned horse by its reins, Vasishtha uttered a powerful mantra and the animal fell, unconscious. It was immediately placed upon the fire. As the sacrifice concluded, Dasarath was delighted. Vasishtha and Rishwashringa (another priest) then arranged for one final ritual to be performed. They summoned the gods, one by one, to accept the sacrificial offerings made to them. The celestial smoke from the offerings, sanctified by Vedic mantras, rose to the skies and was gladly received by the gods. Ayodhya celebrated the success of Dasarath's Yagna (sacrifice). Unseen by the rejoicing Ayodhya, high above the clouds the gods were having a serious meeting.

"Because of a boon granted by you, Oh lord, the king of the Rakshasas (demons) Ravana, is constantly harassing us and is extremely difficult to overpower."

"Having begged from you that he be made invincible to us and our weapons as well as to practically all other created beings, that evil-minded one now seeks to overthrow us. He profanes even great sages and has no regard for anyone at all."

"Ravana sought invincibility but did not ask for immunity against humans., whom he considered of no consequence. Thus his death must come at the hands of a human. Please, therefore, beseech Lord Vishnu to appear as Dasarath's son."

Brahma assented to the gods' request. Seated in meditation, Brahma thought of the lord within his heart. Vishnu appeared in the sky. Only the gods saw him as he descended upon the back of his eagle carrier, Garuda. His beautiful body was like a black pearl. He dressed in a yellow silk dhoti and many celestial jewels embellished his head and chest. A garland of golden lotus flowers adorned his neck. He held in his four hands a conch shell, a mace, a discus weapon and a lotus flower.

Brahma addressed Vishnu in a reverential tone. "Oh Lord, on one side there is Dasarath, a worthy king paying for a son. and on the other side there are all the worlds, that are solely afflicted by the evil Ravana, who must be slain. please take birth in the human realm as Dasarath's son."