At the command of King Daśaratha, preparations for a great journey began in Ayodhyā. He instructed all the treasurers to gather abundant wealth, adorned with precious gems, and to proceed ahead, fully prepared. The fourfold army—infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants—was ordered to set out swiftly in its entirety, and Daśaratha called for his finest chariot to be yoked without delay. He summoned the revered Brāhmaṇas: Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kaśyapa, the long-lived sage Mārkaṇḍeya, and Kātyāyana, commanding that they too be present. These Brāhmaṇas were to go ahead, and Daśaratha’s chariot was to be made ready at once, for the royal messengers were urging haste. By the king’s order, the fourfold army followed behind Daśaratha, who journeyed in the company of the sages. After traveling for four days, the royal party reached the land of Videha. News of their arrival reached King Janaka, who immediately arranged a splendid reception. Filled with joy, King Janaka approached the aged Daśaratha and experienced the highest delight. He greeted the noble king warmly, saying, “Welcome, O foremost of men! By great fortune you have arrived, O Rāghava. You shall obtain the joy of both your sons, whose valor has won them honor. It is auspicious that the illustrious sage Vasiṣṭha and all the foremost Brāhmaṇas have come, like Indra surrounded by the gods. By your arrival, my obstacles are overcome and my lineage is honored.” Janaka continued, “Through this alliance with the Raghavas, supreme in valor and might, O king, let us arrange the ceremony 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 gathered sages, Daśaratha, lord of men and master of wise speech, replied, “Acceptance depends upon the giver; I have heard this before.” Janaka responded, “As you say, O knower of righteousness, so shall we do. Your words are righteous and renowned, truly spoken.” Hearing this, Janaka was filled with great wonder. That night, all the groups of sages, gathered together, spent the hours in happiness and great joy. Rāma, radiant and noble, went with Lakṣmaṇa and, led by Viśvāmitra, they touched their father’s feet in reverence. Daśaratha, hearing his beloved sons, was overjoyed. The king remained there, greatly pleased, honored by Janaka. Janaka, splendid and versed in dharma, after performing the necessary rites for both the sacrifice and his daughters, also spent the night there in contentment. With this, the seventieth sarga of the Bālakāṇḍa in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa comes to a close. At dawn, Janaka, having completed his morning duties, spoke to his learned family priest Śatānanda in the presence of the assembled sages. He said, “My brother Kuśadhvaja, renowned for his energy, valor, and virtue, dwells in the auspicious city of Sāṃkāśya. That city, as pure as merit itself, is nourished by the waters of the Kṣumatī river, bordered by groves and fruit trees, beautiful as the celestial Puṣpaka chariot. I wish to see him, for I consider him the protector of the sacrifice. That great and radiant one, too, should share in this joy with me.” As these words were spoken, attendants arrived and Janaka gave them instructions. By the king’s command, they swiftly departed on fast horses to summon Kuśadhvaja, the tiger among men, just as Viṣṇu is summoned by Indra’s order. Arriving in Sāṃkāśya, the messengers delivered Janaka’s message to Kuśadhvaja. Hearing the message from the swift envoys, King Kuśadhvaja set out at once, obeying his brother’s command. Upon arrival, he saw the great-souled Janaka, devoted to righteousness, and greeted both Śatānanda and Janaka with due homage. He then ascended the splendid royal seat, and the two brothers, equal in brilliance, sat together. The brothers then sent their foremost minister, Sudāman, instructing him, “Go quickly, chief of ministers, to the illustrious Ikṣvāku. Invite him, along with his sons and counselors, the unconquerable one who enhances the Raghu lineage, to our place of hospitality.” Sudāman went and, bowing his head, addressed Daśaratha: “O lord of Ayodhyā, King Janaka of Mithilā wishes to see you. He is resolved to meet you, together with your preceptors and priests.” Hearing this, Daśaratha, accompanied by the sages, ministers, and relatives, proceeded to where Janaka awaited. 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 became silent, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha addressed Janaka and the assembled priests. Vasiṣṭha recounted the ancient lineage: “Brahmā, whose origin is imperceptible, eternal, everlasting, and undecaying, spoke words to the wise Vaideha in the presence of the priests. From Brahmā was born Marīci; from Marīci, Kaśyapa; from Kaśyapa, Vivasvān; and from Vivasvān, Manu, known as Vaivasvata. Manu was the ancient progenitor, and Ikṣvāku was Manu’s son. Know that Ikṣvāku was the first king of Ayodhyā.” Thus, the noble gathering prepared for the sacred alliance, with all traditions and lineages duly honored.