With hearts full of joy and reverence, King Janaka addressed the assembled sages and noble guests, saying, “So be it—may all be auspicious! Let these daughters of Kuśadhvaja become the wives of both Śatrughna and Bharata together. On a single day, O great sage, let the four mighty princes take the hands of the four royal maidens.” He continued, “On the following day, O Brāhmaṇa, the wise praise the marriage ceremony performed under the Phalgunī stars, when Bhaga and Prajāpati preside.” Having spoken these gentle and thoughtful words, King Janaka rose with hands joined in respect and addressed the two eminent sages, “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.” Hearing Janaka’s humble and gracious words, King Daśaratha, the scion of the Raghu dynasty, replied joyfully, “You two brothers, kings of Mithilā, are youthful and possess countless virtues; sages and assemblies of kings have been honored by you both. May you attain well-being and prosperity. We shall now return to our abode and duly perform the ancestral rites.” Having taken leave of King Janaka, Daśaratha, renowned for his greatness, proceeded swiftly, placing the two chief sages at the forefront. Upon reaching his residence, he performed the śrāddha ceremony according to the prescribed rites. Rising early the next morning, he carried out the finest gifting of cows, a sacred act for the welfare of his sons and in accordance with dharma. He gave to the Brahmins one hundred thousand cows, each individually, and in all, four hundred thousand cows with golden horns, calves, and vessels of bronze for milking. Out of deep affection for his sons, Raghunandana bestowed much wealth besides upon the twice-born, fulfilling the sacred gifting of cows for their sake. Surrounded by his sons, who had performed these meritorious acts, the king shone resplendent, like the gentle Prajāpati himself encircled by the guardians of the worlds. Now begins the seventy-third sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. On the very day when the king performed this supreme gifting of cows, the heroic Yudhājit arrived. He was the son of the king of Kekaya and the maternal uncle of Bharata. Upon meeting Daśaratha, Yudhājit inquired about his welfare and conveyed a message: “The king of Kekaya, out of affection, sends greetings and 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 that purpose, I have come to Ayodhyā, O descendant of Raghu. Having heard that your sons have come to Mithilā for marriage, together with you, O king, I have come to Ayodhyā. I have hastened here, desiring to see the son of my sister.” King Daśaratha welcomed his dear guest with the highest hospitality, honoring him as was fitting. Together with his noble sons, Daśaratha spent the night there, ensuring every courtesy was observed. 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, adorned with all ornaments and accompanied by his brothers, performed the festive and auspicious rites. Placing Vasiṣṭha at the head, along with the other great sages, the venerable Vasiṣṭha approached and spoke to King Janaka of Videha: “King Daśaratha, O king, together with his sons who have performed the festive and auspicious rites, the foremost among men, desires the giver. Indeed, all purposes are accomplished through the giver and the receiver; follow your own duty, having performed this excellent marriage.” Janaka, the illustrious knower of supreme dharma, replied warmly, “Who stands as my doorkeeper, waiting for whose command? What deliberation exists in my own house, as if this kingdom were yours? Having completed all the festive preparations, my daughters have approached the altar, O best of sages, shining like flames of blazing fire. I am now awaiting you, standing at this altar; let everything proceed without obstacle—why is there delay?” Hearing Janaka’s words, Daśaratha brought in all his sons and the groups of sages. Then the king of the Videhas spoke to Vasiṣṭha, “O righteous sage, have all the rites performed together with the sages. The marriage ceremony of Rāma, delight of the world, is to be performed, O lord.” With Janaka’s consent, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha, placing Viśvāmitra and the righteous Śatānanda at the forefront, properly constructed the altar in the midst of the pavilion. He adorned the altar with fragrant flowers, golden vessels, and decorated pots filled with sprouts. There were bowls of sprouts, incense vessels, conch vessels, ladles, garlands, and vessels for arghya and other offerings, all duly honored. Vessels filled with fried grains and prepared rice were set out, and darbha grass was spread as prescribed, accompanied by the proper recitation of mantras. Upon that altar, with all rites and mantras observed, the illustrious sage Vasiṣṭha established the sacred fire and began to offer oblations, preparing the way for the holy marriage ceremony of Rāma and his brothers, and the four royal maidens.