Let us now recount the events as narrated in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa, where the sacred tale unfolds. After the breaking of the divine bow, King Janaka, filled with affection and respect, instructed his messengers to inform King Daśaratha of the wondrous deeds of the two sons of Kakutstha—Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa—who had arrived under the protection of the sage Viśvāmitra. Janaka urged the messengers to bring Daśaratha to Mithilā with all speed, so that he might witness the fulfillment of his vow. Kauśika, the sage Viśvāmitra, agreed, and the righteous King Janaka, after instructing his ministers, dispatched them to Ayodhyā to deliver the news and invite King Daśaratha to Mithilā. The messengers, following Janaka’s command, embarked on their journey. Their vehicles grew weary from travel, and after three nights on the road, they finally entered the splendid city of Ayodhyā. Without delay, they went to the royal palace, where they beheld the aged King Daśaratha, resplendent like a god. With hands joined in reverence and hearts free from fear, they addressed the king respectfully, their words sweet and gentle. They conveyed King Janaka’s message, accompanied by his priests and teachers. First, Janaka inquired after Daśaratha’s welfare and enduring prosperity, as befitted royal courtesy. Having calmly asked after his well-being, Janaka, with the approval of Viśvāmitra, spoke further. He reminded Daśaratha of his earlier vow: that his daughter Sītā would be won by prowess. Many kings had tried and failed, their strength found lacking, and had departed resentful. Janaka continued: “This daughter of mine, O king, has been won by your sons, who arrived accompanied by Viśvāmitra and others. In the midst of a great assembly, the mighty-armed Rāma broke the divine bow. Therefore, I must give Sītā, won by prowess, to this great-souled one. I wish to fulfill my vow—please grant your consent. O great king, together with your priests and teachers, come quickly and safely; you ought to see the two sons of Raghu. You should fulfill my vow and will gain the affection of both your sons.” Thus, with the approval of Viśvāmitra and the agreement of Śatānanda, Janaka sent these sweet words to Daśaratha. Upon hearing this message, King Daśaratha was filled with joy. He spoke 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 high-souled Janaka wishes to give his daughter to Rāghava. If the noble Janaka’s conduct pleases you, let us go swiftly to his city, so that no time is lost.” The ministers and all the great sages replied, “Certainly.” The pleased king then informed his ministers, “We shall depart tomorrow.” That night, the king’s ministers, honored greatly, rested in joy and virtue. When dawn arrived, King Daśaratha, joyful, gathered his teachers and relatives and addressed Sumantra: “Today, let all the treasurers bring abundant wealth adorned with precious gems and proceed ahead, well-prepared. Let the fourfold army quickly set out in full, and at my command, have the finest chariot yoked without delay. Let Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kaśyapa, the long-lived sage Mārkaṇḍeya, and Kātyāyana be present. Let these Brāhmaṇas go ahead, and yoke my chariot, so that there is no delay, for the messengers are urging me.” By the king’s order, the fourfold army followed behind Daśaratha, who journeyed together with the sages. After four days of travel, they reached the land of Videha. King Janaka, upon hearing of their arrival, arranged a grand reception. Janaka, filled with joy, approached the aged King Daśaratha and experienced the highest delight. Addressing Daśaratha, he said, “Welcome to you, O foremost of men! By good fortune you have arrived, O Rāghava. You shall obtain the joy of both sons, won by their valor; by good fortune the illustrious sage Vasiṣṭha has arrived. Together with all the foremost Brāhmaṇas, like Indra with the gods, by good fortune my obstacles are overcome, and my lineage is honored.” Janaka then spoke of the alliance with the Raghavas, supreme in valor and might, and requested, “O king, you should arrange the ceremony tomorrow at dawn. At the conclusion of the sacrifice, O best of kings, 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, righteous and renowned, are those of a speaker of truth.” Janaka was filled with great wonder at Daśaratha’s reply. That night, all the groups of sages gathered together and spent their time happily, filled with great joy. Rāma, radiant in splendor, went together with Lakṣmaṇa, as the auspicious events approached, and the hearts of all present were filled with anticipation and delight.