King Janaka, addressing the assembled company, spoke with warmth and gravity. “You are all aware of my vow from earlier days: my daughter Sītā would only be given in marriage to one who could win her by his own prowess. Many kings came, each hoping to succeed, but when they failed to lift or string the divine bow, their pride turned to resentment and they departed, their strength found wanting. “But now, O great king, by the grace of destiny, your sons, accompanied here by the sage Viśvāmitra and others, have come into my court. In the midst of a great assembly, the mighty-armed Rāma, noble and high-souled, broke that precious, celestial bow. Thus, Sītā, who was to be won by valor, has indeed been won by this great-souled prince. “Therefore, it is right that I give Sītā to Rāma, fulfilling my solemn vow. I seek your consent, so that my pledge may be honored. O king, come quickly and safely, bringing your priests and teachers, for you must see your two illustrious sons. You, O king of kings, should help me fulfill my vow; in doing so, you will win the hearts of both your sons. “Thus, with the approval of Viśvāmitra and in agreement with Śatānanda, I, the lord of Videha, have spoken these words to you.” When King Daśaratha heard this message, he was filled with delight. Turning to Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and his ministers, he said, “Rāma, the joy of Kausalyā, and his brother Lakṣmaṇa are now in Videha, protected by the sage Viśvāmitra. Having witnessed Rāma’s extraordinary prowess, the noble Janaka wishes to give his daughter to our Rāghava. If Janaka’s conduct pleases you all, let us set out for his city without delay.” The ministers and sages replied, “Certainly!” Pleased, the king announced, “We shall depart tomorrow.” That night, the ministers, honored and content, rested joyfully, their hearts virtuous and light. As dawn approached, King Daśaratha, full of joy, called Sumantra and said, “Have the treasurers bring forth abundant wealth adorned with precious gems, and let them proceed ahead, well-prepared. Assemble the fourfold army and let it march at once. Have my finest chariot yoked without delay. Let Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kaśyapa, the venerable Mārkaṇḍeya, and Kātyāyana be present. Let these Brāhmaṇas go ahead, and my chariot must be ready, for the messengers urge us onward.” At the king’s command, the fourfold army followed, and together with the sages, Daśaratha set out. After four days’ journey, they arrived in the land of Videha. King Janaka, hearing of their approach, made arrangements for a grand reception. Janaka, filled with joy, came forward to greet the aged Daśaratha. With heartfelt happiness, he said, “Welcome, O foremost of men! By good fortune you have arrived, O Rāghava. You shall know the joy of both your sons, won by their valor. By good fortune, the illustrious Vasiṣṭha has come, and with all these foremost Brāhmaṇas—like Indra among the gods—by good fortune my obstacles are overcome, and my lineage is honored. “Through alliance with the Raghavas, supreme in valor and might, let us arrange the marriage ceremony tomorrow at dawn. When the sacrifice is complete, let the marriage be performed in the presence of these sages.” Hearing these words, the lord of men replied, “Acceptance depends upon the giver; I have heard this before. As you say, O knower of righteousness, so shall it be. Your words are righteous and renowned, spoken with truth.” Janaka was filled with wonder at these noble words. That night, all the sages and ministers, meeting together, rejoiced and rested in happiness. Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, radiant with splendor, approached their father, touching his feet, with Viśvāmitra leading them. The king, hearing the voices of his beloved sons, was overjoyed. Daśaratha stayed in Videha, honored by Janaka, who was steadfast in dharma and radiant in spirit. After performing the necessary rites for the sacrifice and for his daughters, Janaka too spent the night in joy. When dawn broke, Janaka, having completed his morning duties, called his learned family priest, Śatānanda, before the assembled sages. “My brother Kuśadhvaja,” he said, “is renowned for his energy, valor, and virtue. He dwells in the auspicious city of Sāṃkāśya, pure as merit itself, on the banks of the Kṣumatī river, surrounded by groves and fruit trees, like the celestial Puṣpaka chariot. I wish to see him, for I consider him the protector of this sacrifice. He too should share in this joy with me.” As Janaka spoke, attendants arrived. He instructed them to depart swiftly on fast horses and summon Kuśadhvaja, the tiger among men, just as Indra would call upon Viṣṇu. Thus, all was set in motion for the joyous union and fulfillment of vows in the land of Videha.