A year passed and one more spring arrived. Having completed the preliminary rituals, Dasaratha went forth to the sacrificial pavilion to commence the Asvamedha. There he paid obeisance to that great Brahmin Vasishta to whom he said, "You are my friend and supreme guide, the responsibility of the great ceremony and the warding off of any impediment to any aspect of the sacrifice can be borne by you alone." Vasishta assured Dasaratha that all would be well and done according to his wishes. Promising success, Vasishta began preparations for the mammoth event of great piety. He sent for eminent, experienced Brahmins, trained in the performance of such sacrifices and well versed in the execution of ritual related matters. He spoke to noble architects of fame, experienced in the art of construction, to artisans of integrity, to carpenters, astrologers, dancers and actors. Highly intellectual and scholarly men, with immense knowledge in the ritual texts were also interviewed. Vasishta told them to inaugurate the sacrificial rites, according to the code laid. He also ordered thousands of bricks to be brought for the construction of royal dwellings for kings with every comfort for visiting kings and many more fine houses for the brahmins. All were not only to be built, but also stocked with every possible food and drink. Shelter was also to be put up for the people of Ayodhya, furnished with everything that one could desire. Even people from small towns and countryside were to be given the best of food with great respect. All classes of society were to be accorded the same warm welcome.Neither greed lust nor anger was to hinder hospitality.

Sculptors, priests and artisans engaged in discharging the duties of the sacrifice were given special treatment according to rank. The final word of Vasishta was that every one should fill their hearts with love and affection, attending to everything and omitting nothing. The gathering promised to fulfill his wishes and pay attention to every detail.

Once again Sumantra was summoned. Vasishta asked to him, to invite all the kings of the earth, as well as the Kshatriyas, Brahmins, Vaisya and Sudras. He was to escort the illustrious Janaka, king of Mithila and an ally of Dasaratha, as also the aged and exceedingly noble father-in-law of Dasaratha, the king of Kekaya. Romapada king of Angada, an intimate friend of Ayodhya was also to be escorted. Kings of all the regions in the Eastern and Southern directions and of Sindhu, Sauvera and Saurashtra, including all the allies, along with their retinues, families and relations were to be ushered into the domain. Sumantra put orders issued by Vasishta into action without delay. He dispatched emissaries to kings and set forth to honor and accompanies the great Janaka, king of Mithila. Though pleased to hear that all preparations were completed Vasishta once again reminded all about absoluted courtesy. He warned that without due respect gifts should never be given, as any gift given without love and with contempt would result in the downfall of the donor.

For several days and nights, the rulers of the earth arrived in Ayodhya, bringing with them gifts for Dasaratha. Happy with his accomplishments Vasishta informed his king that he had extended due hospitality to all the noble lords who were given a royal welcome. He now wanted Dasaratha to proceed to the sacrificial pavilion, where the priests in charge fully immersed in their duties, were awaiting the king. As advised by the family priest and Rshyasringa, the lord of Ayodhya entered the hallowed sacrificial ground, on the auspicious day at the auspicious moment. The beauty and grandeur of it all was awesome and made the beholders wonder as if the whole thing had emerged by the sheer will and imagination of king, Dasaratha. Amidst this splendor and auspiciousness commenced the great Asvamedha yaga according to the shastras, presided over by Rshyasringa the greatest of priests.