In ancient times, within the noble Ikṣvāku dynasty, there was a remarkable tale of lineage and virtue. Once, a queen, driven by jealousy toward her co-wife, was given a potion meant to destroy her unborn child. Yet, fate had other plans: with that very potion, Sagara was born. Sagara’s line continued with his son Asamanja, then Amshuman, and from Amshuman came Dilipa. Bhagiratha, famed for bringing the sacred Ganga to earth, was born of Dilipa. From Bhagiratha descended Kakutstha, then Raghu, and after Raghu came the illustrious Pravridha, known as the devourer of men. Pravridha’s son was Kalmashapada, whose line led to Shankhana, then Sudarshana, followed by Agnivarṇa. Agnivarṇa’s son was Shighraga, and from Shighraga came Maru. Maru’s son was Prashushruka, who begot Ambarisha. Ambarisha’s son was the mighty king Nahuṣa; from Nahuṣa was born Yayāti, and from Yayāti, Nābhāga. Nābhāga’s son was Aja, and from Aja was born the illustrious Dasharatha. It was from Dasharatha that the famed brothers Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa were born—heroes of spotless virtue, truth-speakers, and the very embodiment of righteousness, shining as jewels of the ancient, pure line of kings. In this spirit, it was said, “For the sake of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, O king, I seek your daughter. Give her to those who are truly worthy—heroes who match her in every way.” At this, Janaka, king of Videha, with hands joined in reverence, replied, “May it be well with you. You are indeed worthy to hear the story of our lineage, for when a daughter is to be given, the family history must be fully declared by one born in that line. Listen, O wise one. “There was once a king, renowned throughout the three worlds for his deeds—Nimi, supremely righteous and foremost among beings. His son was Mithi, and from Mithi came Janaka, the first king of that name. From Janaka descended Udāvasu, then Nandivardhana, a paragon of virtue. Nandivardhana’s son was the mighty Suketu, and from Suketu was born the righteous and powerful Devarāta, who was also called Bṛhadratha. “Bṛhadratha’s son was the valiant Mahāvīra; his son was Sudhṛti, steadfast and courageous. Sudhṛti’s son was Dhṛṣṭaketu, of great virtue, and from him came the royal sage Haryaśva. From Haryaśva was born Maru; Maru’s son was Pratīndhaka, whose son was the righteous king Kīrtiratha. Kīrtiratha’s son was Devamīḍha, followed by Vibudha, and then Mahīdhraka. Mahīdhraka’s son was the mighty Kīrtirāta, who was succeeded by Mahāromā. From Mahāromā came Svarṇaromā, and from him, Hrasvaromā. “Hrasvaromā, a king of great soul and wisdom, had two sons. I am the elder, and my valiant younger brother is Kuśadhvaja. My father anointed me as king and, entrusting the kingdom to me, retired to the forest, installing Kuśadhvaja as ruler in another city. When my father departed to heaven, I ruled righteously, always holding my brother Kuśadhvaja, who is as noble as the gods, in great affection. “In time, the powerful king Sudhanvā from Sāṃkāśya besieged Mithilā, demanding both the unrivaled bow of Śiva and my daughter Sītā, the lotus-eyed maiden. Because I would not yield them, a fierce battle ensued, and I slew Sudhanvā in combat. After his death, I anointed my heroic brother Kuśadhvaja as king in Sāṃkāśya. “Thus, O sage, I am the elder brother, and this is my younger brother. With utmost joy, I offer both brides. I give Sītā to Rāma and Urmilā to Lakṣmaṇa—my daughter Sītā, won by valor and equal to the daughters of the gods. And Urmilā as well—I declare it thrice, without any doubt—I joyfully give you both brides. “O king, prepare the gifting of cows for Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, and perform the ancestral rites. Then, with all auspiciousness, conduct the wedding ceremony. Today is the constellation Maghā; on the third day, under the Uttara Phalgunī star, perform the wedding and make the auspicious gifts for Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa.” When King Janaka had spoken thus, the great sage Viśvāmitra, together with Vasiṣṭha, addressed the valiant king, saying, “The lineages of the Ikṣvākus and the Videhas are truly unfathomable and immeasurable; there are none who can equal them. The union of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa with Sītā and Urmilā is most fitting, both in righteousness and in beauty. “And now, O king, hear our words: here is King Kuśadhvaja, my younger brother, who knows righteousness. To this noble king belong two daughters, unmatched in beauty on earth. We seek them as brides for the worthy princes.” Thus, with reverence and joy, the two ancient lineages were united, and the preparations for the sacred wedding began, blessed by sages and kings alike.