According to legend, King Sagara belonged to Ikshvaku dynasty and ruled
Ayodhya,
Uttar Pradesh. He had two queens, Keshani and Sumati, who were both childless.
Sagara performed severe austerities and Keshani gave birth to a son called Asmajas, and the other wife Sumati bore 60,000 sons. Sagara was performing the Ashwamedha sacrifice to declare his superiority over the neighbouring kingdoms. During this ritual, a meditating Sage Kapila, who was disturbed, cursed, and burnt all the 60,000 sons of Sagara.
