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Lot Essay
This scene takes place early in the Ramayana, when King Dashratha performs the ashvamedha (horse sacrifice) to beget sons.
The ashvamedha (horse sacrifice) was one of the most important royal rituals of the Vedic religion, and the highest form of royal authority. It could only be conducted by a king, whose purpose was to acquire power and glory, sovereignty over neighboring provinces, and ensure general prosperity of the kingdom.
The horse to be sacrificed must be a stallion between twenty-four and one hundred years old. He is sprinkled with water, and then the king whisper mantras into its ear. The horse is then set loose towards the northeast to roam for one year. During that time, he is attended by one hundred young men, the sons of princes or high court officials, who are charged with guarding the horse. If the horse wanders into neighboring provinces hostile to the king, they must be subjugated by this army. After the return of the horse, more ceremonies are performed, and then the horse is slaughtered.
The ashvamedha (horse sacrifice) was one of the most important royal rituals of the Vedic religion, and the highest form of royal authority. It could only be conducted by a king, whose purpose was to acquire power and glory, sovereignty over neighboring provinces, and ensure general prosperity of the kingdom.
The horse to be sacrificed must be a stallion between twenty-four and one hundred years old. He is sprinkled with water, and then the king whisper mantras into its ear. The horse is then set loose towards the northeast to roam for one year. During that time, he is attended by one hundred young men, the sons of princes or high court officials, who are charged with guarding the horse. If the horse wanders into neighboring provinces hostile to the king, they must be subjugated by this army. After the return of the horse, more ceremonies are performed, and then the horse is slaughtered.