Canto XII: The Sacrifice Begun

Again the spring with genial heat Returning made the year complete. To win him sons, without delay His vow the King resolved to pay-- And to Vaśishtha, saintly man, In modest words this speech began:-- "Prepare the rite with all things fit As is ordained in Holy Writ, And keep with utmost care afar Whate'er its sacred forms might mar. Thou art, my lord, my trustiest guide, Kind-hearted, and my friend beside; So is it meet thou undertake This heavy task for duty's sake."

Then he, of twice-born men the best, His glad assent at once expressed:-- "Fain will I do whatever may be Desired, O honored King, by thee." To ancient priests he spoke, who, trained In holy rites, deep skill had gained:-- "Here guards be stationed, good and sage, Religious men of trusted age. And various workmen send and call, Who frame the door and build the wall-- With men of every art and trade, Who read the stars and ply the spade, And mimes and minstrels hither bring, And damsels trained to dance and sing." Then to the learned men he said, In many a page of Scripture read:-- "Be yours each rite performed to see According to the King's decree. And stranger Bráhmans quickly call To this great rite that welcomes all. Pavilions for the princes, decked With art and ornament, erect, And handsome booths by thousands made The Bráhman visitors to shade-- Arranged in order side by side, With meat and drink and all supplied. And ample stables we shall need For many an elephant and steed-- And chambers where the men may lie, And vast apartments, broad and high, Fit to receive the countless bands Of warriors come from distant lands. For our own people too provide Sufficient tents, extended wide, And stores of meat and drink prepare, And all that can be needed there. And food in plenty must be found For guests from all the country round. Of various viands presents make, For honor, not for pity's sake, That fit regard and worship be Paid to each caste in due degree. And let not wish or wrath excite Your hearts the meanest guest to slight; But still observe with special grace Those who obtain the foremost place, Whether for happier skill in art Or bearing in the rite their part Do you, I pray, with friendly mind Perform the task to you assigned, And work the rite, as bids the law, Without omission, slip, or flaw."

They answered: "As thou seest fit So will we do and nought omit." The sage Vaśishtha then addressed Sumantra, called at his behest:-- "The princes of the earth invite, And famous lords who guard the rite, Priest, Warrior, Merchant, lowly thrall, In countless thousands summon all. Where'er their home be, far or near, Gather the good with honor here. And Janak, whose imperial sway The men of Mithilá obey, The firm of vow, the dread of foes, Who all the lore of Scripture knows, Invite him here with honor high, King Daśaratha's old ally. And Káśi's lord of gentle speech, Who finds a pleasant word for each-- In length of days our monarch's peer, Illustrious King, invite him here. The father of our ruler's bride, Known for his virtues far and wide, The King whom Kekaya's realms obey, Him with his son invite, I pray. And Lomapád, the Angas King, True to his vows and godlike, bring. Far be thine invitations sent To west and south and orient. Call those who rule Suráshtra's land, Suvíra's realm and Sindhu's strand, And all the kings of earth beside In friendship's bonds with us allied:-- Invite them all to hasten in With retinue and kith and kin." Vaśishtha's speech without delay Sumantra bent him to obey, And sent his trusty envoys forth Eastward and westward, south and north. Obedient to the saint's request Himself he hurried forth, and pressed Each nobler chief and lord and king To hasten to the gathering. Before the saint Vaśishtha stood All those who wrought with stone and wood, And showed the work which every one In furtherance of the rite had done. Rejoiced their ready zeal to see, Thus to the craftsmen all said he:-- "I charge ye, masters, see to this, That there be nothing done amiss. And this, I pray, in mind be borne, That not one gift ye give in scorn; Whenever scorn a gift attends Great sin is his who thus offends."

And now some days and nights had passed, And Kings began to gather fast, And precious gems in liberal store As gifts to Daśaratha bore. Then joy thrilled through Vaśishtha's breast As thus the monarch he addressed:-- "Obedient to thy high decree The Kings, my lord, are come to thee. And it has been my care to greet And honor all with reverence meet. Thy servants' task is ended quite, And all is ready for the rite. Come forth then to the sacred ground Where all in order will be found." Then Rishyaśring confirmed the tale:-- Nor did their words to move him fail. The stars propitious influence lent When forth the world's great ruler went. Then by the sage Vaśishtha led, The priest began to speed Those glorious rites wherein is shed The lifeblood of the steed.