Dasaratha, though indomitable, sublime and fabled the world over as an embodiment of virtues, he had a lurking discontent. It was the discontent of having no progeny to carry on his dynasty. Heavy hearted and pining for sons, he questioned himself as to why he should not perform the Asvamedha yaga to beget sons. Having made up his mind, he sent for that most excellent of his ministers, Sumantra and asked him to fetch the entire spiritual preceptors and family priests. Thereupon Suyajna, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kasyapa and Vasishta along with other Brahmins arrived. Paying homage to the exalted assembly, venerable Dasaratha, addressed them with utmost grace saying "Pining for sons I am ever unhappy and restless, because I have no progeny. It is my desire now to perform the Asvamedha yaga and worship the gods. Also tell me how I can fulfill my wish".

Vasishta and the other Brahmins commended that decision and blessed him saying that his desire would soon come to pass. Their approval delighted Dasaratha, whose eyes gleamed with joy and excitement. He bade that articles required for the ritual be procured as directed by the spiritual masters and the sacrificial horse was to be released under the protection of warriors. On the left bank of the river Sarayu was to be erected the sacred pavilion in accordance with the scriptural norms. Auspicious rites were to be performed as ordained, for the uninterrupted completion of the sacrifice. He emphasized that Asvamedha was the best of yagas and if difficulties and obstacles did not arise, every king would like to accomplish it."Learned brahma rakshasas will always be on the prowl for faults in the sacrifice, so that they can strike into it and if such a thing happens, he who is conducting the sacrifice will be destroyed instantaneously!So flawless performance is imperative by strictly following the rules and taking care of every detail." The ministers assured Dasaratha that his orders would be implicitly carried out. The wise and enlightened Brahmins blessed the king for the speedy fulfillment of his desires and took leave. Dasaratha made his way to the palace when he told his dear wives of his plans. They were ecstatic and enthralled at the idea of the Asvamedha. Their beautiful faces glowed like the lotuses.