Ashwamedha Yagna, or Horse Sacrifice, was performed by
Bhagvan Sri Ram to do penance for the killing of thousands of humans and other
living beings during the Rama Ravana war in the Ramayana. Sri Ram was always
unhappy about the war. He wanted to get redemption from the sins committed
during war. It was Sage Agasthya who advised Sri Ram to perform the Ashwamedha
sacrifice.
King Dilip who was a great grandfather of Sri Rama had performed
the Ashwamedha Yagna and attained salvation.
Ashwamedha Yagna was performed on the banks of the Sarayu
River.
The horse required for the yajna was selected on the full
moon day in the month of Vaishakh (April – May).
The horse then travelled through several countries for one
year. Those who captured the horse had to fight the army that followed the
horse. The army was led by Shatrughna.