Baal Kaanda
37 - King Dasaratha's sacrifice for the birth of a son and his Queen's pregnancy
Chaupais
Description
One day the king was sad at heart that he had no son. He hastened to his preceptor's residence and, falling at his feet, made many entreaties. He told the Guru all his joys and sorrows; the sage Vasistha comforted him in many ways and said, "Take heart and wait; you will have four sons, who will be known throughout the three worlds and will rid the devotees of their fears." Then Vasistha summoned the sage Srngi and had a noble sacrifice performed by him for the birth of a son to the king. When the sage devoutly offered oblations into the sacred fire, the fire-god appeared with an offering of rice boiled with milk in his hand. Said the fire-god, "Whatever Vasistha has contemplated for you that object is fully accomplished. Take this oblation, O king, and divide it in such proportions as you think fit."