At the court of Mithilā, King Janaka, his heart full of joy and purpose, addressed his ministers with care. “Go to my city and invite King Daśaratha with words of deep respect,” he instructed. “Tell him fully of the giving of my daughter, who has been won by prowess. Make sure to speak of the two sons of Kakutstha—protected by the sage—who have come here, and bring the king with all speed and affection.” Kauśika, the sage Viśvāmitra, replied, “So be it.” At once, the righteous King Janaka gave his ministers careful instructions. He sent them forth to Ayodhyā, to report all that had transpired and to bring King Daśaratha to Mithilā for this auspicious occasion. Now, listen to the sixty-eighth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. The messengers, following Janaka’s words, hurried along the road. Though their steeds grew weary, they pressed on, and after three nights, they entered the city of Ayodhyā. As commanded, they made their way to the royal palace and beheld the aged King Daśaratha, radiant and dignified, shining like a god. With hands joined in reverence, the messengers, free from fear, spoke to the king with gentle, respectful words. “The king of Mithilā, Janaka, accompanied by his sacred fire, again and again sends you greetings with affection and sweet speech. Together with his priests and teachers, he first inquires after your health and enduring prosperity, O great king. “Having assured himself of your well-being, the ruler of Mithilā, with the approval of Kauśika, conveys these words: You know of my vow that my daughter would be given only to one who could prove his prowess. Many kings tried and failed; resentful, they departed, their strength insufficient. “But now, by fortune, my daughter has been won by your sons, who arrived here with Viśvāmitra and others. In the midst of a great assembly, mighty-armed Rāma, the high-souled one, broke the precious, divine bow. “Therefore, I must give Sītā, won by prowess, to this great-souled one, fulfilling my vow. Please grant your consent. O king, come at once with your priests and teachers. You ought to see the two sons of Raghu. Fulfill my vow, and you will win the love of both your sons. “Thus, with the agreement of Viśvāmitra and Śatānanda, the lord of Videha sends you these sweet words.” Hearing this message, King Daśaratha was filled with delight. He turned to Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and his ministers, saying, “Protected by the son of Kuśika, Rāma—the joy of Kausalyā—and his brother Lakṣmaṇa are staying among the Videhas. Janaka, having witnessed Rāma’s prowess, wishes to give his daughter to Rāghava. If the noble Janaka’s conduct pleases you, let us go at once to his city, wasting no time.” The ministers and the great sages all agreed, “Certainly.” Pleased, Daśaratha declared, “We shall depart tomorrow.” That night, the honored ministers rested, all delighted and virtuous. Now, listen to the sixty-ninth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa. When the night had passed, King Daśaratha, filled with joy, gathered his teachers and relatives and spoke to Sumantra: “Let all the treasurers proceed ahead today, bringing abundant wealth adorned with precious gems. Have the fourfold army set out at once, and prepare my finest chariot without delay. Let Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kaśyapa, the long-lived sage Mārkaṇḍeya, and Kātyāyana all be present. Let these Brāhmaṇas go ahead, and yoke my chariot swiftly, for the messengers urge us onward.” At the king’s command, the fourfold army followed behind, and Daśaratha set out with the sages. After four days of travel, they reached the land of Videha. Hearing of their arrival, King Janaka made every arrangement for a fitting reception. Janaka approached the aged Daśaratha with great joy, feeling the highest delight. With happiness shining from him, Janaka spoke: “Welcome, O foremost of men! By good fortune you have arrived, O Rāghava. You shall enjoy the happiness of both your sons, who have proved their valor. By good fortune, the illustrious sage Vasiṣṭha is here. With all the foremost Brāhmaṇas, like Indra among the gods, my obstacles are overcome and my lineage is honored. “Through alliance with the Raghavas, supreme in valor and might, let the ceremony be arranged tomorrow at dawn. At the conclusion of the sacrifice, let the marriage be performed in the presence of the foremost sages.” Hearing these words among the sages, Daśaratha replied, “Acceptance depends on the giver; I have heard this before. As you say, O knower of righteousness, so shall we do. Your words are righteous and renowned, truly those of a speaker of truth.” Hearing this, the lord of Videha was filled with great wonder. Then, all the groups of sages assembled together, preparing for the sacred and joyous union to come.