The two young princes of Ayodhyā, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, shone with countless virtues, winning the admiration of sages and the assembled kings in Mithilā. Their noble conduct brought honor to all who encountered them. As the time came for departure, the gathered elders and guests offered their blessings, wishing well-being and prosperity upon the brothers. “We shall now return to our homes and perform the ancestral rites as is proper,” they said. King Daśaratha, famed for his greatness, after seeking the king’s leave, made ready to depart. Placing the revered sages at the forefront, he journeyed swiftly homeward. Upon reaching his royal residence, Daśaratha diligently performed the śrāddha ceremonies for his ancestors, following every prescribed rite. Rising early the next morning, he conducted the most auspicious gifting of cows, a supreme act of generosity. For the sake of his beloved sons and in accordance with dharma, the king bestowed upon the Brahmins one hundred thousand cows, each given individually. Beyond this, he granted 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, the lord of men gave further abundant wealth to the twice-born, offering these gifts as part of the sacred rite. Surrounded by his sons, who themselves had participated in the gifting of cows, Daśaratha shone resplendent, like Prajāpati himself amidst the guardians of the worlds. Now hear the seventy-third sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. On the very day that Daśaratha performed the supreme gifting of cows, a heroic visitor arrived: Yudhājit, the son of the king of Kekaya and maternal uncle to Bharata. Having greeted Daśaratha and inquired after his welfare, Yudhājit spoke courteously, “The king of Kekaya, out of affection, sends his greetings and wishes you well. For those whose happiness you desire, he assures that all is well. O king, my maternal uncle, lord of the earth, wishes to see his sister’s son—Bharata. For this reason, I have come to Ayodhyā, descendant of Raghu. Hearing that your sons have journeyed to Mithilā for marriage, I too have come, hoping to see my sister’s son.” Daśaratha warmly welcomed his dear guest, honoring him with the highest hospitality. That night, the king and his noble sons rested together in contentment. At dawn, after performing the morning rites, Daśaratha, with the sages leading the way, proceeded to the sacrificial enclosure. At the auspicious hour of victory, Rāma and his brothers, adorned with splendid ornaments, performed the festive and sacred rites. Sage Vasiṣṭha, at the head of the assembly of great sages, approached King Janaka of Videha and spoke: “King Daśaratha, together with his sons who have fulfilled all auspicious rites, now awaits the giver. Indeed, all purposes are fulfilled by the giver and the receiver. Let your duty be done—let this excellent marriage take place.” Janaka, renowned for his generosity and wisdom, replied with joy, “Who stands at my door, awaiting my command? What deliberation can there be in my own house, as if this kingdom were not yours? All festive preparations are complete, and my daughters stand ready at the altar, shining like blazing flames. I await you, O best of sages, standing at the altar. Let there be no further delay—let everything proceed without obstacle!” Hearing these words, Daśaratha brought forth all his sons, accompanied by the sages. Then Janaka addressed Vasiṣṭha: “O righteous sage, let all the rites be performed in concert with the assembled sages.” Vasiṣṭha, venerable and wise, responded, “So be it.” Placing Viśvāmitra and the righteous Śatānanda at the forefront, the great ascetic prepared the altar in the midst of the pavilion. He adorned it with fragrant flowers, golden vessels, and decorated pots containing fresh sprouts. Bowls filled with sprouts, incense vessels, conches, ladles, garlands, and vessels for arghya and other offerings were set out with reverence. Dishes of fried grains and prepared rice were arranged, and darbha grass was spread according to custom, all accompanied by the proper recitation of mantras. When the fire had been established on the altar with due rites and mantras, the illustrious Vasiṣṭha offered sacred oblations. Then, Sītā, adorned with every ornament, was brought forward and placed before the fire, facing Rāghava. King Janaka spoke tenderly to Rāma, the delight of Kausalyā: “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 ever follow you as faithfully as a shadow.” With these words, Janaka poured water purified by sacred mantras as the gods and sages rejoiced, exclaiming, “Well done, well done!” A great sound of divine drums resounded, and a shower of flowers fell from the heavens. Thus, having given his daughter Sītā, sanctified with mantra-water, King Janaka was filled with joy. Turning to Lakṣmaṇa, Janaka said, “Come, good fortune to you! Urmilā, whom I have prepared, is yours. Accept her hand, take her hand; let not the auspicious moment pass.” Having thus spoken, Janaka addressed Bharata as well, ready to unite all the noble princes and princesses in bonds of sacred matrimony.