The king’s ministers, honored and respected, spent the night in great delight, their hearts filled with virtue and contentment. As dawn approached, the story continued its sacred course in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. With the night’s darkness dispelled, King Daśaratha, his spirit joyful, gathered with his revered teachers and kinsmen. He called upon Sumantra and said, “Today, let all the treasurers, bringing forth abundant wealth adorned with precious gems, proceed ahead, well-prepared. Let the fourfold army set out swiftly, and at my command, have my finest chariot yoked without delay. Summon Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kaśyapa, the long-lived sage Mārkaṇḍeya, and Kātyāyana—all these noble Brāhmaṇas must be present. Let them go ahead, and have my chariot ready, for the messengers urge me to hasten.” By the king’s order, the great army followed, while Daśaratha journeyed in the company of the sages. After four days of travel, they reached the land of Videha. When King Janaka heard of their arrival, he arranged a grand welcome. Approaching the venerable Daśaratha, Janaka was filled with the highest joy. With happiness shining on his face, Janaka greeted him warmly, saying, “Welcome, O foremost of men! By good fortune you have arrived, O Rāghava. You shall enjoy the happiness of both your sons, earned by their valor. By great fortune, the illustrious Vasiṣṭha has come as well. Together with these foremost Brāhmaṇas—like Indra surrounded by the gods—my obstacles are overcome and my lineage is honored. Through alliance with the mighty Raghavas, O king, you should arrange the ceremony tomorrow at dawn. When the sacrifice is complete, let the marriage be performed in the presence of these revered sages.” Hearing these words among the assembled wise, Daśaratha, lord of men, replied with humility, “Acceptance depends on the giver; I have heard this before.” Janaka answered, “As you say, O knower of righteousness, so shall it be. Your words are righteous and renowned—truly those of a speaker of truth.” Hearing this, Janaka was filled with wonder, and all the groups of sages, gathering together, spent the night in happiness and great joy. Rāma, radiant as ever, went with Lakṣmaṇa to their father. Led by Viśvāmitra, they touched Daśaratha’s feet, and the king, hearing his sons’ voices, was overjoyed. Daśaratha remained there, greatly pleased and honored by Janaka. Janaka himself, resplendent and learned in dharma, completed the rites for the sacrifice and for his daughters, and spent the night in peace. At dawn, Janaka, having finished his morning duties, spoke to Śatānanda, his wise family priest, in the presence of the assembled sages. “My brother, Kuśadhvaja, renowned for his energy, valor, and virtue, dwells in the auspicious city of Sāṃkāśya. That city, pure as merit itself, lies by the Kṣumatī river, its banks lined with groves and fruit trees, as delightful as the celestial Puṣpaka chariot. I wish to see him, for he is the protector of the sacrifice, and he too should share in this joy.” As Janaka spoke, attendants arrived and received their instructions. Swiftly, by the king’s command, they mounted fast horses and rode out to summon Kuśadhvaja, the tiger among men, just as Viṣṇu is called by Indra. Reaching Sāṃkāśya, they found Kuśadhvaja and conveyed Janaka’s wishes and all that had transpired. Hearing their message, Kuśadhvaja, radiant and noble, set out at once. Upon arrival, he greeted Janaka and Śatānanda with reverence, and took his seat beside his brother on a splendid royal throne—both shining with equal brilliance. The two mighty brothers then sent their chief minister, Sudāman, with a message: “Go quickly to the illustrious Ikṣvāku, Daśaratha. Invite him, along with his sons and counselors, the unconquerable one who enhances the Raghu lineage, to our place of hospitality.” Sudāman went forth, bowed to Daśaratha, and delivered Janaka’s invitation. “O lord of Ayodhyā, the king of Mithilā wishes to see you, together with your preceptors and priests.” Hearing this, Daśaratha, accompanied by his sages, relatives, and ministers, proceeded to Janaka’s court. There, the best among those skilled in speech addressed Janaka: “O great king, you know well the tutelary deity of the Ikṣvāku line. In all matters, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha speaks for us, with the approval of Viśvāmitra and all the great sages. This righteous Vasiṣṭha will speak for me in due order.” When Daśaratha fell silent, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha rose to speak, ready to guide the sacred proceedings. Thus, the sacred narrative advanced, woven with reverence and joy, as the two noble houses prepared to unite in righteousness and celebration.