As thousands of people gathered and watched with bated breath, Rāma, the radiant jewel of the Raghu dynasty and a soul of great righteousness, approached the mighty bow. With effortless grace, as if handling nothing heavier than water, he strung the formidable weapon. Then, that illustrious and celebrated prince drew the bow fully, displaying his unmatched strength. In a moment that stunned all present, Rāma broke the bow in two at its very center. The shattering of the bow resounded with a thunderous crash, echoing like the roar of a storm, so mighty that the earth itself trembled as if a mountain were being split apart. The crowd, overwhelmed and stunned by the deafening sound, fell to the ground in awe—everyone except the great sage Viśvāmitra, King Janaka, and the two sons of Raghu, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. As the people gradually regained their composure, King Janaka, his fear now dispelled, approached the revered sage Viśvāmitra with joined palms and spoke with humility and gratitude. “Venerable one, I have now witnessed the strength of Rāma, son of Daśaratha. This is truly marvelous, inconceivable, and far beyond anything I could have expected. My daughter Sītā, having gained Rāma, son of Daśaratha, as her husband, will bring lasting fame to the house of Janaka. “O Kauśika, my vow is now fulfilled: Sītā was to be won by prowess, and now, my daughter, dearer to me than life itself, is to be given to Rāma. With your consent, O Brāhmaṇa, let my ministers quickly depart in swift chariots to Ayodhyā. Let them respectfully invite King Daśaratha to my city and fully inform him of the giving of my daughter, won by valor. Let them also tell the king about his two sons, protected by the great sage, and with affection, urge him to come here with all speed.” Viśvāmitra, the sage Kauśika, replied, “So be it.” Thus, King Janaka, having instructed his ministers, sent them to Ayodhyā to relate all that had transpired and to invite King Daśaratha accordingly. Now, listen to the sixty-eighth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa. The messengers, following Janaka’s command, journeyed swiftly but found their chariots weary from the road. After three nights of travel, they entered the grand city of Ayodhyā. There, as instructed, they made their way into the royal palace and beheld the aged and resplendent King Daśaratha, shining with the dignity of a god. With hands joined in reverence and hearts free from fear, the messengers addressed the king with words both respectful and sweet. They conveyed King Janaka’s greetings, offered with the warmth and affection of a father, and inquired after Daśaratha’s welfare and enduring prosperity. Having first ensured the king’s well-being, Janaka’s message continued: “O noble king, you are aware of my vow that my daughter would be won by prowess alone. Many kings came, but, failing in their strength, left in disappointment. By fortune, your sons, accompanied by the sage Viśvāmitra and others, have come to Mithilā and won my daughter. In the midst of a great assembly, mighty-armed Rāma broke the divine bow. “Thus, I must give Sītā, won by valor, to this great-souled one, and fulfill my vow. Please grant your consent. With your priests and teachers, come quickly and safely, O king, for you should see your sons and fulfill my promise. You will also gain the affection of both your sons. Thus, with the approval of Viśvāmitra and in agreement with Śatānanda, Janaka spoke these sweet words.” Hearing this joyful news, King Daśaratha was filled with delight. He immediately spoke to his wise counselors—Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and others—saying, “Protected by Viśvāmitra, Rāma, the joy of Kausalyā, and his brother Lakṣmaṇa are now in Videha. Having witnessed Rāma’s prowess, noble Janaka wishes to give his daughter to Rāghava. If you all approve of Janaka’s conduct, let us proceed to Mithilā without delay.” The ministers and the great sages replied, “Certainly.” Pleased, the king announced that they would depart the following day. That night, the honored messengers rested in Ayodhyā, delighted and content in every way. Now, hear the sixty-ninth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. When the night had passed, King Daśaratha, his heart brimming with joy, gathered his teachers, relatives, and ministers. He ordered Sumantra, “Today, let all the treasurers, bringing abundant wealth adorned with precious gems, proceed ahead, well-prepared. Let the fourfold army set out swiftly in full force, and have my finest chariot yoked at once. “Let the revered Brāhmaṇas—Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kaśyapa, the long-lived sage Mārkaṇḍeya, and Kātyāyana—be present. Let them go ahead, and yoke my chariot quickly, for the messengers urge us to make haste.” At the king’s command, the fourfold army—infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants—followed behind as Daśaratha set out with the sages. After four days of travel, they reached the land of Videha. Upon hearing of their arrival, King Janaka made all arrangements for a grand and respectful reception, welcoming them with honor and joy.