When the arrangements for the great alliance were being discussed, the venerable sage Viśvāmitra addressed King Janaka, saying, “Let the noble house of Ikṣvāku, O king of righteous deeds, be joined without anxiety to yours by this alliance.” Upon hearing the words of Viśvāmitra and the wise counsel of Vasiṣṭha, Janaka, with hands respectfully joined, turned to these two illustrious sages and spoke with humility and joy, “Blessed indeed is this lineage, for whom you, the foremost among sages, personally command such a fitting alliance.” With reverence, Janaka continued, “So be it—may this be auspicious for you all! Let my brother Kuśadhvaja’s daughters become the wives of both Śatrughna and Bharata. On a single day, O great sage, 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 performed under the auspicious Phalgunī stars, when Bhaga and Prajāpati preside.” Having spoken these gentle and gracious 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.” As Janaka of Videha thus spoke, King Daśaratha, the scion of Raghu, his heart filled with delight, replied to Janaka, “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 duly perform the ancestral rites.” Having respectfully sought Janaka’s leave, King Daśaratha, renowned for his greatness, proceeded swiftly, placing the two chief sages, Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha, at the forefront. Upon reaching his residence, the king performed the śrāddha ceremony in accordance with the prescribed rites, and, rising early the next morning, he carried out the most excellent gifting of cows. For the sake of his sons and in accordance with dharma, Daśaratha gave one hundred thousand cows, each individually, to the Brahmins. Altogether, he bestowed four hundred thousand cows, each adorned with golden horns, accompanied by calves, and fit for milking with bronze vessels. Out of deep affection for his sons, Raghunandana gave much more wealth as well, offering abundant gifts to the twice-born, all for the sake of his sons. Then, surrounded by his sons who had performed the gifting of cows, the king shone resplendent, like the gentle Prajāpati surrounded by the guardians of the worlds. Now, listen to the next chapter in this glorious Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki. On the very day that King Daśaratha performed the supreme gifting of cows, the heroic Yudhājit arrived. He was the son of the king of Kekaya, the direct maternal uncle of Bharata. Having seen the king and enquired about his welfare, Yudhājit spoke these words: “The king of Kekaya, out of affection, sends greetings of well-being; for those whose welfare you desire, he conveys that all is well. O king, my maternal uncle, the lord of the earth, wishes to see his sister’s son; for this purpose, I have come to Ayodhyā, O descendant of Raghu. Having heard that your sons have come to Mithilā for marriage, I too have come to Ayodhyā with you, O king. I have hastened here, desiring to see the son of my sister.” King Daśaratha, delighted by the arrival of his dear guest, welcomed Yudhājit with the highest honor and hospitality, as was fitting. Then, together with his noble sons, Daśaratha spent the night there in joy and contentment. At dawn, after performing the morning rites, the wise king, with the sages at the forefront, proceeded to the sacrificial enclosure. At the auspicious hour of victory, Rāma and his brothers, adorned with all ornaments, performed the festive and auspicious rites. Placing Vasiṣṭha at the head, along with other great sages, the venerable Vasiṣṭha approached and addressed King Janaka of Videha. He said, “King Daśaratha, together with his sons who have performed the festive and auspicious rites, the foremost among men, now desires the giver. Indeed, all purposes are accomplished through the giver and the receiver; follow your own duty, having performed this excellent marriage.” Thus addressed by the exceedingly generous and high-souled Vasiṣṭha, the illustrious Janaka, knower of supreme dharma, replied, “Who stands as my doorkeeper, waiting for whose command? What deliberation remains in my own house, as if this kingdom were yours? All festive preparations are complete, and my daughters, shining like blazing flames, have already approached the altar, O best of sages. I am now awaiting you, standing at this altar; let everything proceed without obstacle—why is there delay?” Hearing Janaka’s earnest words, Daśaratha brought in all his sons and the groups of sages. Then the king of Videha addressed Vasiṣṭha: “O righteous sage, let all the rites be performed together with the sages.” The marriage ceremony of Rāma, delight of the world, was to be performed. To Janaka’s request, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha replied, “So be it.” Placing Viśvāmitra and the righteous Śatānanda at the forefront, the great ascetic properly constructed the altar in the midst of the pavilion. He adorned the altar on all sides with fragrant flowers, golden vessels, and beautifully decorated pots filled with sprouting grains, making everything ready for the sacred and joyous union of the royal houses.