The sons of King Daśaratha, radiant in their youth and beauty, stood before all, their valor likened to the very guardians of the world, as if they were gods incarnate. The noble lineage of Ikṣvāku, it was proposed, should be joined without hesitation or worry to the house of Mithilā through this auspicious alliance. Upon hearing such words from the sage Viśvāmitra and the wise counsel of Vasiṣṭha, King Janaka, with hands folded in reverence, addressed the two great sages. He declared his lineage truly blessed, for it was by the command of these foremost of sages that such a noble union was being arranged. With joy, Janaka proclaimed, “So be it—may it bring you all auspiciousness! Let the daughters of Kuśadhvaja be joined in marriage to both Śatrughna and Bharata. On a single, sacred day, let these four mighty princes take the hands of the four royal maidens.” Janaka continued, “On the following day, O revered Brāhmaṇa, let the marriage ceremony be celebrated under the auspicious Phalgunī stars, with Bhaga and Prajāpati presiding, as the wise have praised.” Having spoken these gentle words, King Janaka rose, palms joined, and addressed the eminent sages with humility, acknowledging the supreme righteousness that had been done for him. He declared himself their disciple and offered them the chief seats of honor, inviting them to be seated. Janaka then assured the sages, “As Ayodhyā is to Daśaratha, so is this city to me. There is no doubt in my authority—please act as you see fit.” As Janaka of Videha thus spoke, King Daśaratha, filled with delight, replied warmly. He praised Janaka and his brother as youthful kings of Mithilā, endowed with countless virtues, who had honored both sages and assemblies of kings. Daśaratha wished them prosperity and well-being, stating that he would return to his abode to perform the ancestral rites as prescribed by tradition. Having sought Janaka’s leave, King Daśaratha, renowned for his greatness, departed swiftly, placing the two chief sages, Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha, at the forefront of his company. Upon reaching his residence, the king performed the śrāddha ceremony according to sacred rites. Rising early the next morning, he carried out the finest gifting of cows, as was the custom. For the sake of his sons and in accordance with dharma, he gave one hundred thousand cows to the Brahmins, each individually. In total, four hundred thousand cows, adorned with golden horns, accompanied by calves and fit for milking with bronze vessels, were bestowed. Out of deep affection for his sons, Raghunandana gave much wealth besides to the twice-born, offering these gifts for their sake. Surrounded by his sons, who had performed this great gifting, King Daśaratha shone with a gentle radiance, like Prajāpati himself amidst the guardians of the worlds. Now, listen to the next chapter in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. On the very day that the king performed the supreme gifting of cows, the heroic Yudhājit arrived. He was the son of the king of Kekaya and the maternal uncle of Bharata. After seeing Daśaratha and inquiring after his welfare, Yudhājit spoke, conveying greetings and well-being from the king of Kekaya, who wished to see his beloved sister’s son. For this purpose, Yudhājit had come to Ayodhyā, having learned that Daśaratha and his sons were in Mithilā for the marriage. Eager to see his nephew, Yudhājit was warmly welcomed by King Daśaratha. The king received his dear guest with the highest hospitality and, together with his noble sons, spent the night in his company. Rising early the next morning, having performed the necessary rites, the wise king, with the sages at the forefront, proceeded to the sacrificial enclosure. At the auspicious hour of victory, Rāma, adorned with all ornaments and accompanied by his brothers, performed the festive and sacred rites. Placing the venerable Vasiṣṭha at the head, along with other great sages, they approached King Janaka. Vasiṣṭha addressed Janaka, saying that King Daśaratha and his sons, having completed the auspicious rites, were prepared for the marriage. He reminded Janaka that all purposes are fulfilled through the harmony of giver and receiver, urging him to perform his duty and celebrate this excellent marriage. Janaka, the illustrious knower of supreme dharma, replied with humility, “Who stands as my doorkeeper, waiting for whose command? What deliberation remains in my own house, as if this kingdom were not yours? All festive preparations are complete, and my daughters stand at the altar, shining like blazing flames. I await you at the altar—let everything proceed without obstacle. Why is there delay?” Hearing Janaka’s words, Daśaratha brought forth all his sons and the groups of sages. Then Janaka spoke to Vasiṣṭha, “O righteous sage, perform all the rites together with the sages.” The marriage ceremony of Rāma, delight of the world, was to be performed. Vasiṣṭha agreed, saying, “So be it,” to Janaka. With Viśvāmitra and the righteous Śatānanda at the forefront, the great ascetic Vasiṣṭha properly constructed the altar in the midst of the pavilion, preparing for the sacred wedding of Rāma and Sītā, and the unions of the royal brothers and maidens, as the heavens and earth looked on with joy.