In ancient times, a venerable sage of the Bhārgava lineage named Cyavana sought solitude in the majestic Himalayas. There, amidst the tranquil peaks, a noble lady, radiant as a celestial being, approached him. Her eyes, broad and beautiful like lotus petals, shone with hope as she bowed before the sage, longing for an excellent son. This lady was Kālindī, and her heart’s desire was clear as she greeted Cyavana with reverence. Moved by her devotion and yearning, the sage addressed her with gentle assurance. “O noble lady, eager for a son—know that a virtuous and immensely powerful son will be born to you. Do not grieve, O lotus-eyed one; your child will be of great strength and radiance, and the time of his birth is near.” With gratitude, the royal princess Kālindī bowed deeply to Cyavana. Though she was separated from her husband, her steadfast devotion did not waver. In due course, she gave birth to a son. Yet, out of jealousy, her co-wife gave her a potion intending to destroy the unborn child. But destiny prevailed: together with the potion, the mighty Sagara was born. From Sagara’s line came Asamanja, and from Asamanja was born Amshuman. Amshuman’s son was Dilipa, and from Dilipa came Bhagiratha, famed for his devotion. From Bhagiratha descended Kakutstha, then Raghu, and from Raghu, the illustrious Pravridha, known as the devourer of men. Pravridha’s son was Kalmashapada, whose son was Shankhana; Shankhana’s son was Sudarshana, and Sudarshana’s son was Agnivarṇa. The lineage continued: Agnivarṇa’s son was Shighraga, Shighraga’s son was Maru, and from Maru came Prashushruka. Prashushruka’s son was Ambarisha, and Ambarisha’s son was the great king Nahuṣa. From Nahuṣa came Yayāti, then Nābhāga, and from Nābhāga, Aja. Aja’s son was Dasharatha, and from Dasharatha were born the celebrated brothers Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. This was the ancient, pure, and supremely righteous line of kings—heroes and speakers of truth, born in the Ikṣvāku dynasty. It was for the sake of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, O king, that a request was made: “I seek your daughter for them. You should give her to those who are their equals, O best of men, to those who are worthy.” At this point, the story continues into the seventy-first section of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bālakāṇḍa. Thus approached, King Janaka, with hands joined in respect, replied: “May all be well with you. You are indeed worthy to hear of our lineage. For, O best of sages, when a daughter is to be given in marriage, the family line must be fully declared by one born in it. Listen, O wise one, as I recount it. There was once a king, Nimi, renowned throughout the three worlds for his deeds—supremely righteous and foremost among all beings. His son was Mithi, and from Mithi came Janaka, the first king of that name. Janaka’s son was Udāvasu, from whom was born the righteous Nandivardhana. Nandivardhana’s son was the mighty Suketu, and from Suketu, the virtuous and powerful Devarāta was born, also known as Bṛhadratha. Bṛhadratha’s son was the valiant Mahāvīra, whose son was Sudhṛti, steadfast and courageous. From Sudhṛti came the righteous Dhṛṣṭaketu, and from Dhṛṣṭaketu, the renowned royal sage Haryaśva. Haryaśva’s son was Maru, Maru’s son was Pratīndhaka, and from Pratīndhaka came the righteous king Kīrtiratha. Kīrtiratha’s son was Devamīḍha, whose son was Vibudha, and from Vibudha came Mahīdhraka. Mahīdhraka’s son was the mighty king Kīrtirāta, and from the royal sage Kīrtirāta was born Mahāromā. Mahāromā’s son was the righteous Svarṇaromā, and from Svarṇaromā came Hrasvaromā. This king, a knower of righteousness and great-souled, had two sons: I am the elder, and my valiant younger brother is Kuśadhvaja. My father anointed me, the elder, as king and entrusted the kingdom to me before departing to the forest, installing Kuśadhvaja as well. When my aged father departed for heaven, I bore my duty righteously, always regarding my brother Kuśadhvaja, who is equal to the gods, with affection. Then, after some time, the powerful king Sudhanvā came from Sāṃkāśya and besieged Mithilā. He sent me a message, demanding the unrivaled bow of Śiva and Sītā, the lotus-eyed maiden. Because I did not yield, a great battle ensued between us, and in that fight, I slew King Sudhanvā. Afterward, I anointed my heroic brother Kuśadhvaja as king in Sāṃkāśya. Thus, O great sage, this is my younger brother, and I am the elder. With utmost joy, I offer you both brides. May good fortune be yours: I give Sītā to Rāma, and Urmilā to Lakṣmaṇa—my daughter Sītā, equal to the daughters of the gods, won by prowess, and Urmilā as well. I say it thrice, without doubt—with utmost joy, I give you both brides. O king, arrange for the gifting of cows for Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, and perform the ancestral rites. Then, may good fortune be yours, conduct the wedding ceremony. Today is the constellation Maghā, O mighty-armed one, and on the third day, under the Uttara Phalgunī star, perform the wedding. For Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, make the auspicious gifts.” Thus concludes this portion of the sacred narrative.