King Dasharatha, having returned to his palace, performed the śrāddha ceremony with all the prescribed rites. Rising early the next morning, he began the most auspicious gifting of cows. Out of love for his sons and adherence to dharma, the king gave one hundred thousand cows to each Brahmin, ensuring each received them individually. In total, Dasharatha gave away four hundred thousand cows, each adorned with golden horns, accompanied by calves, and fit for milking with bronze vessels. His generosity did not end there; Raghunandana, ever affectionate toward his sons, bestowed abundant wealth upon the twice-born, making the gifting of cows a grand offering for his sons’ sake. Surrounded by his sons, who themselves had participated in the gifting, the king shone resplendently—like Prajāpati, the gentle lord of creatures, amidst the guardians of the worlds. It was then, on the very day of this supreme gifting of cows, that the heroic Yudhājit arrived. He was the son of the king of Kekaya and the maternal uncle of Bharata. After respectfully inquiring about Dasharatha’s well-being, Yudhājit conveyed a message from the king of Kekaya, who sent greetings of health and happiness, assuring Dasharatha that all was well with those he cherished. Yudhājit explained, “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 scion of Raghu. Having heard that your sons have journeyed to Mithilā for marriage, I hastened here, eager to see my sister’s son.” Dasharatha warmly welcomed his dear guest, honoring Yudhājit with the highest hospitality. That night, the king, his noble sons, and Yudhājit rested together in comfort. At dawn, Dasharatha performed the morning rites. With the sages leading the way, the wise king proceeded to the sacrificial enclosure. At the auspicious hour of victory, Rāma and his brothers, adorned in their finest ornaments, performed the festive and sacred rituals. Vasiṣṭha, revered among sages, took the lead, accompanied by other great seers, and approached King Janaka of Videha. Vasiṣṭha spoke: “O King Janaka, Dasharatha, together with his sons who have performed the sacred rites, wishes to fulfill the purpose of this gathering. Indeed, all is accomplished through the union of giver and receiver; perform your duty and let this excellent marriage take place.” Janaka, ever generous and wise, replied, “Who here is my doorkeeper, awaiting my command? What deliberation remains in my house, as if this kingdom were yours? All festive preparations are complete. My daughters stand ready at the altar, radiant as blazing flames. I await you at this sacred place—let all proceed without obstacle. Why delay?” With these words, Dasharatha brought forth all his sons and the assembly of sages. Janaka then turned to Vasiṣṭha, saying, “O righteous sage, let all the rites be performed with the sages. The marriage of Rāma, delight of the world, is to be celebrated.” Vasiṣṭha agreed, and, placing Viśvāmitra and the virtuous Śatānanda at the forefront, he prepared the altar in the center of the pavilion. The altar was beautifully adorned with fragrant flowers, golden vessels, and decorated pots filled with sprouting grains. There were bowls of sprouts, vessels of incense, conch shells, ladles, garlands, and vessels for arghya and other offerings, all arranged with reverence. Dishes of fried grains and prepared rice were set out, and darbha grass was spread as prescribed by tradition, with the proper mantras recited. Having established the sacred fire, Vasiṣṭha offered oblations, following every rite and mantra. Then Sītā, adorned with all her ornaments, was brought and placed before the fire, facing Rāghava. King Janaka addressed Rāma, increaser of Kausalyā’s joy: “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 as a shadow follows form.” Having spoken, Janaka poured water sanctified by mantras into Rāma’s hands as the gods and sages exclaimed, “Well done! Well done!” Divine drums resounded, and a shower of flowers rained from above. Thus, Janaka, filled with joy, gave his daughter Sītā to Rāma. Turning to Lakshmana, Janaka said, “Come, Lakshmana, good fortune to you! Urmila, whom I have prepared, is yours. Take her hand, and let the auspicious moment not pass.” Addressing Bharata, he said, “O delight of the Raghus, take Mandavi’s hand with your own.” To Shatrughna, Janaka declared, “O mighty-armed one, take Shrutakirti’s hand in yours. All of you are gentle and steadfast in noble vows. May the Kakutsthas be united with their wives; let not the proper time be lost.” Hearing Janaka’s words, the princes joined hands with their brides, fulfilling the sacred union as the joyous rites continued.