King Janaka, having already agreed to the marriage of his beloved daughter Sītā to Rāma, now heard a further request from the venerable sages. Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha, wise and revered, addressed him with respect and clarity: “O King, for your sons Bharata and the wise Śatrughna, we ask for these two daughters, that these great souls may be joined in alliance with your house.” They spoke of Daśaratha’s sons—youthful, radiant, and valiant—comparing them to the guardians of the world, their prowess like that of the gods themselves. “Let the noble house of Ikṣvāku, O king of righteous deeds,” they said, “be joined to yours in harmony and without anxiety through this sacred alliance.” Hearing these words, and taking counsel from both Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha, King Janaka folded his palms in reverence and addressed the illustrious sages: “Blessed indeed is this lineage, for whom you, the foremost among sages, have personally commanded such a fitting union. So be it—may this bring auspiciousness to all! Let these daughters of Kuśadhvaja become the wives of Śatrughna and Bharata.” He continued, “Let all four mighty princes take the hands of the four royal maidens on a single day, O great sage. And on the following day, under the auspicious Phalgunī stars, when Bhaga and Prajāpati preside, let the marriage ceremonies be praised by the wise.” Having spoken these gentle and gracious words, King Janaka rose, palms joined, and addressed both sages again: “A supreme righteousness has been accomplished 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.” As Janaka thus spoke, Daśaratha, filled with delight, responded warmly: “You two brothers, kings of Mithilā, are young and possess countless virtues. Sages and assemblies of kings have been honored by you both. May you attain well-being and prosperity. We shall return to our abode and perform the ancestral rites as prescribed.” With the sages leading the way, Daśaratha quickly returned to his residence. There he performed the śrāddha ceremony according to the sacred rites, and at dawn, he carried out the finest gifting of cows. In accordance with dharma and out of love for his sons, the king gave to the Brahmins one hundred thousand cows, each individually. Altogether, he gifted four hundred thousand cows, adorned with golden horns, accompanied by calves and fit for milking with bronze vessels. Besides these, Daśaratha—ever affectionate toward his sons—bestowed abundant wealth upon the twice-born, honoring the gifting of cows for their sake. Surrounded by his sons, who had themselves participated in the gifting of cows, the king shone resplendently, like the gentle Prajāpati encircled by the guardians of the worlds. Now, listen to the next part of this sacred narrative, the seventy-third sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. On the very day that Daśaratha performed the supreme gifting of cows, the heroic Yudhājit arrived. He was the son of the king of Kekaya, and the direct maternal uncle of Bharata. After greeting the king and inquiring after his welfare, Yudhājit conveyed a message: “The king of Kekaya, out of affection, sends greetings and conveys that all is well for those whose welfare you cherish. O king, my uncle, the lord of the earth, wishes to see his sister’s son; for that reason, I have come to Ayodhyā, O descendant of Raghu. Having heard that your sons have come to Mithilā for marriage, I too have hastened here, eager to see my sister’s son.” King Daśaratha welcomed his dear guest with warmth and honored him with the highest hospitality. Together with his noble sons, he spent the night in Yudhājit’s company. At dawn, after performing the necessary rites, the wise king, with the sages at the forefront, proceeded to the sacrificial enclosure. At the auspicious hour of victory, adorned with all ornaments, Rāma and his brothers performed the festive and auspicious rituals. Vasiṣṭha, accompanied by other great sages, approached the king of Videha and spoke: “King Daśaratha, together with his sons who have performed the festive rites, now desires the giver. All purposes are fulfilled through the giver and the receiver; fulfill your duty and perform this excellent marriage.” Janaka, generous and steadfast in dharma, replied: “Who stands as my doorkeeper, waiting for whose command? What deliberation is there in my own house, as if this kingdom were not yours? All festive preparations are complete, and my daughters, shining like flames of fire, have approached the altar. I am standing here, awaiting you. Let all proceed without obstacle—why delay?” Hearing Janaka’s words, Daśaratha brought in his sons and the groups of sages. Janaka then addressed Vasiṣṭha: “O righteous sage, let all the rites be performed together with the sages. The marriage ceremony of Rāma, delight of the world, is to be performed.” To this, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha replied, “So be it,” thus beginning the sacred marriage ceremonies as all hearts overflowed with joy and fulfillment.