As King Janaka of Videha concluded his words, Daśaratha, the illustrious Rāghava, responded with delight to the noble lord of the earth. Addressing Janaka and his brother, the kings of Mithilā, Daśaratha praised their youth and countless virtues, noting how sages and assemblies of kings had been honored by them both. With heartfelt wishes, he said, “May you both attain well-being and prosperity. We shall now return to our abode and perform the ancestral rites as is proper.” Seeking Janaka’s leave, the renowned King Daśaratha set out swiftly for his residence, respectfully placing the two chief sages at the forefront of his retinue. Upon reaching his palace, the king observed the śrāddha ceremony according to tradition, and, rising early the next morning, performed the most excellent gifting of cows. For the sake of his sons and upholding dharma, Daśaratha, the ruler of men, gave a hundred thousand cows—each one individually—to the Brahmins. Not stopping there, the supreme man bestowed four hundred thousand cows, each adorned with golden horns, accompanied by calves, and fit for milking with bronze vessels. Affectionate toward his sons, Raghunandana gave even more wealth to the twice-born, offering these gifts for his sons’ welfare. Surrounded by his sons, who themselves had participated in the gifting of cows, the king shone with a gentle radiance, like Prajāpati encircled by the guardians of the worlds. Now begins the seventy-third sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa. On the very day 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. Upon seeing King Daśaratha, Yudhājit inquired after his welfare and conveyed greetings from his own father, the king of Kekaya. He said, “Out of affection, my father sends his regards and assures that all is well among those whose welfare you cherish.” “O king, my maternal uncle, the lord of the earth, wishes to see his sister’s son. For this reason, I have come to Ayodhyā, O descendant of Raghu. Hearing that your sons had come to Mithilā for marriage, I too have hastened to Ayodhyā, eager to see my nephew.” King Daśaratha warmly welcomed his dear guest, honoring Yudhājit with the highest hospitality, worthy of worship. Together with his noble sons, the king spent the night in peace. Rising again at dawn, Daśaratha performed the morning rites. With the sages at the forefront, the wise king proceeded to the sacrificial enclosure. At the auspicious hour of victory, adorned with all ornaments, Rāma and his brothers performed the festive and sacred rites. Vasiṣṭha, revered among sages, led the way with other great ascetics and approached King Janaka. He said, “O King Janaka, Daśaratha and his sons, having performed the auspicious rites, now await the giver. All purposes are fulfilled through the union of giver and receiver. Therefore, follow your own dharma and perform this excellent marriage.” Janaka, generous and high-souled, replied with humility, “Who is left as my doorkeeper, whose command do I await? What deliberation remains in my house, as if this kingdom were not yours? All the festive preparations are complete, and my daughters have approached the altar, shining like flames of fire. I am standing at the altar awaiting you. Let all proceed without obstacle—why delay?” Hearing Janaka’s earnest words, Daśaratha brought in all his sons and the assembly of sages. Then Janaka addressed Vasiṣṭha: “O righteous sage, let all the rites be performed together with the other sages.” Thus, the marriage ceremony of Rāma, the delight of the world, was set to begin. Vasiṣṭha, the venerable sage, replied, “So be it.” Placing Viśvāmitra and the righteous Śatānanda at the forefront, the great ascetic Vasiṣṭha prepared the altar in the center of the pavilion. He adorned it all around with fragrant flowers, golden vessels, and decorated pots containing sprouts. Bowls filled with sprouts, incense vessels, conch vessels, ladles, garlands, and vessels for arghya and other offerings were duly arranged. There were vessels filled with fried grains and prepared rice, and darbha grass was spread as prescribed, all accompanied by the proper recitation of mantras. Having established the sacred fire on the altar, preceded by the appropriate rites and mantras, the illustrious Vasiṣṭha offered oblations into the fire. Then, Sītā, adorned with all ornaments, was brought forth and placed before the sacred fire, facing Rāghava. King Janaka spoke to Rāma, the joy of Kausalyā: “This is Sītā, my daughter, your companion in righteousness. Accept her—may good fortune be yours. Take her hand in yours. She is devoted to her husband, greatly blessed, and will always follow you like a shadow.” With these words, Janaka poured water purified by mantras as the gods and sages exclaimed, “Well done! Well done!” A great sound of divine drums arose, and a shower of flowers fell from above. Thus, Janaka gave his daughter Sītā, sanctified with mantra-water, to Rāma. Filled with joy, King Janaka then said, “Lakṣmaṇa, come—good fortune to you. Urmilā, whom I have prepared, is yours.