Kauśika, the sage Viśvāmitra, agreed to King Janaka’s request, saying, “So be it.” The righteous King Janaka then instructed his ministers to go swiftly to Ayodhyā, report all that had transpired, and invite King Daśaratha as befitting the occasion. Obedient to their king’s command, the messengers, though their vehicles were weary, journeyed for three nights before entering the grand city of Ayodhyā. Without delay, they made their way into the royal palace, where they beheld the venerable King Daśaratha, radiant and godlike in his bearing. With hands joined in reverence and hearts free from fear, the messengers addressed the king with sweet and respectful words. They conveyed Janaka’s message, expressing his affection and respect. First, Janaka, together with his priests and teachers, inquired after Daśaratha’s well-being and enduring prosperity. Having thus expressed concern for his welfare, Janaka, with the approval of the sage Viśvāmitra, delivered his message. He reminded Daśaratha of his earlier vow: that his daughter Sītā would be given only to one who could win her by his prowess. Many kings had tried and failed, leaving resentful and disappointed. Now, by fate and valor, Daśaratha’s own sons, accompanied by Viśvāmitra and others, had come and succeeded. In the midst of a great assembly, the mighty-armed Rāma had broken the divine bow, a feat none other could achieve. Therefore, Janaka declared his intent to give Sītā, thus won by prowess, to Rāma, wishing to fulfill his vow and seeking Daśaratha’s consent. He invited Daśaratha, along with his priests and teachers, to come quickly and safely to Mithilā to witness the union and to gain the joy of both his sons. Janaka’s message, spoken with the approval of Viśvāmitra and in agreement with Śatānanda, was filled with warmth and sweetness. Hearing these words, King Daśaratha was overjoyed. He turned to Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and his ministers, saying, “Protected by the son of Kuśika, Rāma, the delight of Kausalyā, and his brother Lakṣmaṇa are staying among the Videhas. Having witnessed Rāma’s prowess, the noble Janaka wishes to give his daughter to Rāghava. If Janaka’s conduct pleases you, let us proceed at once to his city, so that no time is wasted.” The ministers and sages replied in unison, “Certainly.” Pleased, Daśaratha told his ministers that they would depart the next day. That night, the king’s honored ministers rested, delighted and virtuous. With the coming of dawn, King Daśaratha, joyful, gathered his teachers and relatives and spoke to Sumantra: “Let all the treasurers bring forth abundant wealth adorned with precious gems and send it ahead, well-prepared. Let the fourfold army set out quickly and my finest chariot be yoked without delay. Let Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kaśyapa, the venerable Mārkaṇḍeya, and Kātyāyana be present. Let these Brāhmaṇas go ahead, and my chariot be readied, for the messengers urge haste.” By the king’s order, the great army followed, and Daśaratha, accompanied by the sages, set out for Mithilā. After four days’ journey, they reached the land of Videha. King Janaka, hearing of their arrival, arranged a grand reception. Janaka approached the aged Daśaratha with joy and highest delight, greeting him warmly: “Welcome, O foremost of men! By good fortune you have arrived, O Rāghava. By your sons’ valor, you shall obtain great joy. By good fortune, the illustrious Vasiṣṭha is here. With all the foremost Brāhmaṇas present, like Indra among the gods, my obstacles are overcome and my lineage honored.” He then urged, “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 this, Daśaratha replied with humility and wisdom, “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, renowned, and truthful.” Janaka was filled with wonder at Daśaratha’s response. That night, all the sages and their companies gathered joyfully. Rāma, resplendent, together with Lakṣmaṇa, approached their father. Led by Viśvāmitra, they bowed at Daśaratha’s feet, and the king, hearing the voices of his beloved sons, was filled with overwhelming joy.