Janaka, king of Videha, stood before the assembly of sages and noble guests, his heart filled with reverence. He began to speak, addressing the wise Viśvāmitra: “O best of sages, when a daughter is given in marriage, it is proper that the lineage be fully declared by one born in the family. Please listen, O wise one, as I recount my ancestry.” He spoke of a king named Nimi, renowned throughout the three worlds for his virtuous deeds, the foremost among all beings. Nimi’s son was Mithi, and Mithi’s son was Janaka, the first king by that name. From Janaka came Udāvasu, and Udāvasu’s son was the righteous Nandivardhana. Nandivardhana’s son was the mighty hero Suketu, and from Suketu was born Devarāta, both righteous and powerful. Devarāta, known as Bṛhadratha, was a royal sage, and his son was the valiant Mahāvīra. Mahāvīra’s son was Sudhṛti, steadfast and truly courageous. From Sudhṛti came Dhṛṣṭaketu, a king of great virtue, and from Dhṛṣṭaketu was born the renowned Haryaśva. Haryaśva’s son was Maru, and Maru’s son was Pratīndhaka. Pratīndhaka’s son was the righteous king Kīrtiratha, whose son was Devamīḍha. Devamīḍha’s son was Vibudha, and Vibudha’s son was Mahīdhraka. Mahīdhraka’s son was the mighty king Kīrtirāta, and from Kīrtirāta came Mahāromā. Mahāromā’s son was the righteous Svarṇaromā, and from Svarṇaromā came Hrasvaromā, a king of great soul and wisdom. Janaka continued, “That king, my father, had two sons. I am the elder, and my valiant younger brother is Kuśadhvaja. My father anointed me as king, entrusting the burden of rule to me, and then he retired to the forest, appointing Kuśadhvaja as well. When my aged father departed to heaven, I bore the duty faithfully, 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 refused, a battle ensued between us. In that fight, I slew King Sudhanvā. Having vanquished him, I anointed my heroic brother Kuśadhvaja as king in Sāṃkāśya. “This is my younger brother, and I am the elder. With utmost joy, O best of sages, I give 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 the second, Urmilā as well—I say it three times, there is no 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.” As Janaka finished speaking, the seventy-second sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa, began. The great sage Viśvāmitra, together with Vasiṣṭha, addressed the valiant king, saying, “O best of men, the lineages of the Ikṣvākus and the Videhas are unfathomable and immeasurable; truly, there is no one equal to them. The union of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa with Sītā and Urmilā is fitting both in righteousness and beauty. “And now, O foremost of men, hear my words: this is King Kuśadhvaja, my younger brother, who knows righteousness. To this righteous one, unmatched in beauty on earth, belong two daughters. We seek them as wives for your sons, Bharata and the wise Śatrughna. These sons of Daśaratha, endowed with beauty and youth, are all equal to the guardians of the world, their valor like that of the gods. Let the noble house of Ikṣvāku, O king of righteous deeds, be joined without anxiety to yours by this alliance.” Hearing Viśvāmitra’s words and Vasiṣṭha’s counsel, Janaka, with joined palms, spoke to the two eminent sages: “I consider this lineage blessed, for whom you two foremost sages yourselves command such a fitting alliance. So be it—may it be auspicious for you! Let these daughters of Kuśadhvaja become the wives of both Śatrughna and Bharata together. On a single day, let the four mighty princes take the hands of the four royal maidens. “On the following day, O Brāhmaṇa, the wise praise the marriage ceremony under the Phalgunī stars, when Bhaga and Prajāpati preside.” Having spoken these gentle words, King Janaka rose with joined palms and addressed both eminent sages, saying, “A supreme righteousness has been done for me; I am your disciple as well. Here are the chief seats—please be seated, O foremost sages. As Ayodhyā is to Daśaratha, so is this city to me; there is no doubt in authority—please act as you see fit.” Thus, the sacred alliance between the houses of Ikṣvāku and Videha was joyously affirmed, and preparations for the blessed weddings began under the guidance of sages and kings, with righteousness and auspiciousness prevailing throughout the land.