As the joyous celebrations in Mithilā continued, King Janaka addressed Daśaratha with deep respect, saying, “Just as Ayodhyā is to you, O Daśaratha, so is this city to me. There is no doubt about your authority here—please act as you see fit.” Hearing these gracious words, Daśaratha, the scion of the Raghu line, was delighted and replied to the great king of Videha, “You two brothers, rulers of Mithilā, are young and endowed with countless virtues. Sages and assemblies of kings alike have been honored by your noble conduct. May you attain well-being and prosperity. Now, we shall return to our abode and perform the ancestral rites as is proper.” Having taken leave of King Janaka, Daśaratha, famed for his greatness, made preparations to return, placing the revered sages at the forefront of his retinue. Upon reaching his residence, the king performed the śrāddha ceremony according to the prescribed rites. Rising early the next morning, he carried out the finest gifting of cows. For the sake of his sons and upholding dharma, the ruler of men gave one hundred thousand cows to the Brahmins, each individually. In total, the supreme king gave 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 bestowed much additional wealth upon the twice-born, offering these gifts for their benefit. Surrounded by his sons, who themselves had participated in the gifting of cows, King Daśaratha shone with radiance, like the gentle Prajāpati amidst the guardians of the worlds. Now, listen to the seventy-third sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. On the very day when the supreme gifting of cows was performed, a heroic guest arrived—Yudhājit, the son of the king of Kekaya and maternal uncle to Bharata. Having greeted Daśaratha and inquired after his well-being, Yudhājit conveyed the affectionate greetings of the king of Kekaya, saying, “My father, the king, sends his good wishes and assures you that all is well with those whose welfare you cherish. O king, my maternal uncle, the lord of the earth, wishes to see his sister’s son—Bharata. For this reason, I have come to Ayodhyā, O descendant of Raghu. Hearing that your sons have come to Mithilā for marriage, I also hastened here, desiring to see my sister’s son.” Daśaratha welcomed his dear guest warmly and honored him with the highest hospitality. Together with his noble sons, the king spent the night in contentment. At dawn, Daśaratha performed the morning rites. Then, with the sages at the forefront, he went to the sacrificial enclosure. At the auspicious hour of victory, Rāma and his brothers, adorned with all ornaments, performed the festive and sacred rites. Placing Vasiṣṭha at the front, along with other great sages, the venerable Vasiṣṭha approached King Janaka and spoke, “O king, Daśaratha, together with his sons, having performed the auspicious rites, now desires the giver. Indeed, all purposes are accomplished through the giver and the receiver. Fulfill your duty by performing this excellent marriage.” Thus addressed by the noble Vasiṣṭha, King Janaka, who knew the highest dharma, replied, “Who stands as my doorkeeper, awaiting my command? What deliberation remains in my house, as if this kingdom were yours? All festive preparations are complete, and my daughters have approached the altar, shining like blazing flames. I am here, awaiting you at the altar—let everything proceed without obstacle. Why is there delay?” Hearing these words, Daśaratha brought in all his sons and the groups of sages. Then Janaka spoke to Vasiṣṭha, “O righteous sage, let all the rites be performed together with the assembled sages.” The marriage ceremony of Rāma, delight of the world, was to be performed. Vasiṣṭha, having agreed, placed Viśvāmitra and the virtuous Śatānanda at the forefront, and the great ascetic carefully constructed the altar in the midst of the pavilion. The altar was adorned all around with fragrant flowers, golden vessels, and decorated pots containing fresh sprouts. There were bowls filled with 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. Having established the sacred fire on the altar, preceded by all the proper rites, the illustrious sage Vasiṣṭha offered oblations into the fire. Then, Sītā, adorned with all ornaments, was brought forward and placed before the fire, facing Rāma. King Janaka spoke to Rāma, increaser of Kausalyā’s joy, “This is Sītā, my daughter, your companion in righteousness. Accept her—good fortune to you! Take her hand in yours. She is devoted to her husband, greatly blessed, and will follow you always, as a shadow follows the body.” Having spoken thus, King Janaka poured water purified by mantras into Rāma’s hands, as the gods and sages exclaimed, “Well done! Well done!” In that sacred moment, a great sound of divine drums arose and a shower of flowers descended from the heavens. Thus, King Janaka gave his daughter Sītā, sanctified with mantra-water, to Rāma, and the world rejoiced.