Shloka 1.12.2
द्वादशः सर्गः — Aśvamedha-saṅkalpa (Daśaratha resolves on the Horse Sacrifice)
तत: प्रसाद्य शिरसा तं विप्रं देववर्णिनम्। यज्ञाय वरयामास सन्तानार्थं कुलस्य वै।।1.12.2।।
tataḥ prasādya śirasā taṃ vipraṃ devarṇinam | yajñāya varayāmāsa santānārthaṃ kulasya vai ||1.12.2||
Then, bowing his head in reverence and winning the favor of that brahmin, radiant like a deva, the king formally chose him to officiate a yajña—seeking progeny for the continuance of his royal line.
Then bowing his head in respect to that brahmin who was effulgent like a celestial and having won his grace he chose him to conduct a sacrifice for a son for (the continuity of) his dynasty.
Legitimate royal aims—such as securing heirs—are pursued through dharmic means: humility, reverence toward the learned, and reliance on properly conducted ritual rather than mere power or desire.
King Daśaratha respectfully bows to the sage-priest Ṛśyaśṛṅga, gains his goodwill, and appoints him to conduct a sacrifice intended to obtain offspring and thus preserve the continuity of the Ikṣvāku dynasty.