Ashvamedha

As a first step, a suitable, sturdy and steady horse was selected with excellent features. Then under the supervision of Vasishtha Muni, the Kingdom’s Chief Rishi, Shri Rama tilled a four yojana wide and long bhumi on Sarayu River banks with a golden plough; selected a suitable Yagna Vedika (Platform) with the required number of Mandapas and Agni Kundas decorated with jewels; invited Maharshis and Tapasvis of high standing like

1. Narada, 
2. Asita, 
3. Parvat, 
4. Kapila, 
5. Jaatukarnya, 
6. Angira, 
7. Aashtishena, 
8. Atri, 
9. Goutami, 
10. Haarita,
11. Yagnavalkya, and 
12. Sarvat; 

constructed suitable Ashramas for the Invitee Rishis and disciples;

Conferences were held to decide on the

1. format, 
2. procedure and 
3. daily programing; 

prescribed do’s and don’ts of

1. physical, 
2. moral and 
3. spiritual content; ‘niyamas and nigrahas’ (norms and restrictions) etc. 

Lakhsmana brought the Yagnashwa at the appointed time, formal Pujas were performed by Brahmanas and ‘Suvasini’ Women; the Surya Vamsa flag of Victory was hoisted on the horse; a gold sheet was hung around the horse-neck with an Inscription saying that the horse belonged to Shri Rama and whosoever stopped it would be severely punished; Shatrughna was made over-all in charge of the huge armed 

1. Sena (Army), 
2. elephants, 
3. horses, 
4. chariots and 
5. carts leading the Yagnashwa; 

Pushkala the son of Bharata was made in charge of the rear side of the ‘Ashwa’; Bhakta Hanuman headed the entourage and at the most propitious Muhurta the Yagna Horse was released, along with the recitals of Veda Mantras and ‘Mangala Vadyas’amid big shouts of Victory to Shri Rama Chandra.

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