Rāma, the illustrious son of Daśaratha, took the mighty bow and, stringing it with ease, drew it back fully. Then, before the assembled multitude, he broke the bow in two at its very center—a feat no other had accomplished. At that moment, a tremendous sound rang out, like the crash of thunder splitting the sky, and the earth itself shook violently, as if a great mountain were being torn asunder. The people who had gathered were so stunned by the deafening noise that they fell to the ground in shock. Only the great sage Viśvāmitra, King Janaka, and the two sons of Raghu—Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa—remained standing, unaffected by the tumult. When the people regained their senses, King Janaka, his fear now dispelled, approached the sage with hands folded in reverence and spoke with humility and joy. “O revered one,” Janaka said to Viśvāmitra, “I have witnessed the strength of Rāma, son of Daśaratha. This deed is truly marvelous, beyond what I could have ever imagined or expected. My daughter Sītā, having gained Rāma as her husband, will bring everlasting fame to the house of Janaka. O Kauśika, my vow is now fulfilled: Sītā was to be won by prowess, and now, my dear daughter, more precious to me than life itself, is to be given to Rāma.” With deep respect, Janaka continued, “With your consent, O Brāhmaṇa, let my ministers swiftly depart for Ayodhyā in fast chariots, O Kauśika, and may your blessings be upon them. Let them bring King Daśaratha to my city with courteous words, and fully inform him of the giving of my daughter, won by valor. Let them also share with the king the news of his two sons, protected by the sage, and with affection, urge him to come here without delay.” Viśvāmitra replied, “So be it.” Thus, the righteous King Janaka, after instructing his ministers, sent them to Ayodhyā to convey all that had transpired and to bring King Daśaratha to Mithilā. Now, listen to the sixty-eighth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. Janaka’s messengers, their horses and chariots weary from the journey, spent three days on the road before finally entering the city of Ayodhyā. Following their king’s command, they went straight to the royal palace and beheld the aged King Daśaratha, radiant and dignified like a god among men. With hands joined in reverence and hearts free from fear, the messengers addressed Daśaratha with respectful and sweet words: “The king of Mithilā, Janaka, accompanied by his sacred fire, sends you repeated greetings, his words filled with affection and humility. Together with his priests and teachers, he first inquires after your welfare and unchanging prosperity, O great king. Having calmly asked after your well-being, the ruler of Mithilā, with the approval of Kauśika, has these words for you: ‘You know of my earlier vow: my daughter would be won by prowess alone. Many kings tried and failed, leaving resentful, their strength found wanting. By fortune, your sons—accompanied by Viśvāmitra and others—have come here and won my daughter. In the midst of a great assembly, the divine bow was broken by the mighty-armed and high-souled Rāma. Therefore, I must give Sītā, won by prowess, to this noble one; I wish to fulfill my vow—please grant your consent. O great king, together with your priests and teachers, come quickly and safely to Mithilā. You ought to see your sons, the scions of Raghu, and fulfill my vow. In doing so, you will gain the affection of both your sons.’ Thus, the lord of Videha, with the approval of Viśvāmitra and in agreement with Śatānanda, has spoken these sweet and respectful words.” Hearing this message, King Daśaratha was filled with immense delight. He turned to Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and his ministers, saying, “Protected by the son of Kuśika, Rāma—the joy of Kausalyā—together with his brother Lakṣmaṇa, is staying among the Videhas. Having witnessed Rāma’s prowess, the noble Janaka wishes to give his daughter to Rāghava. If the conduct of the noble Janaka pleases you, let us go swiftly to his city, so that no time is lost.” The ministers and all the great sages replied, “Certainly.” Pleased, Daśaratha told his ministers, “We shall depart tomorrow.” That night, the honored ministers stayed in Ayodhyā, delighted and virtuous in every way. Now, listen to the sixty-ninth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. With the coming of dawn, King Daśaratha, joyful and eager, summoned Sumantra in the presence of his teachers and relatives. He instructed, “Today, let all the treasurers, bringing abundant wealth adorned with various precious gems, proceed ahead, fully prepared. Let the fourfold army set out quickly and in full strength, and have my finest chariot yoked without delay at my command. Let Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kaśyapa, the long-lived sage Mārkaṇḍeya, and Kātyāyana all be present. Let these Brāhmaṇas go ahead, and have my chariot made ready, for the messengers urge haste.” At the king’s order, the fourfold army—infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots—followed behind, while Daśaratha traveled with the sages. After four days of travel, they reached the land of Videha. Upon hearing of their arrival, King Janaka arranged a grand reception. Filled with joy, King Janaka approached the aged Daśaratha, and together, both kings experienced the highest delight at this auspicious meeting.