On the auspicious day when King Dasharatha performed the supreme gifting of cows, a notable visitor arrived: Yudhājit, son of the king of Kekaya and maternal uncle to Bharata. Yudhājit, having seen Dasharatha and enquired after his welfare, conveyed greetings from the king of Kekaya, assuring Dasharatha that all was well among those whom he cared for. With affection, the king of Kekaya had sent Yudhājit to Ayodhyā, expressing his wish to see his sister’s son, Bharata, and so Yudhājit had journeyed swiftly, especially upon hearing that Dasharatha’s sons had come to Mithilā for marriage. Dasharatha warmly welcomed his dear guest, honoring Yudhājit with the highest hospitality befitting such a visit. That night, the king spent time with his noble sons and his guest, and when morning came, Dasharatha rose, performed his rites, and, with the sages at the forefront, proceeded to the sacrificial enclosure. At the auspicious hour, Rāma and his brothers, adorned with ornaments, performed the festive and sacred rites. Vasiṣṭha, accompanied by other great sages, approached the king of Videha and spoke: “King Dasharatha, together with his sons, has completed the festive rites and desires the giver.” He explained that all purposes are fulfilled through the union of giver and receiver, urging Janaka to fulfill his duty and perform the excellent marriage. Janaka, the illustrious knower of supreme dharma, responded with generosity: “Who stands as my doorkeeper, waiting for whose command? What deliberation could there be in my house, as if this kingdom were yours? All festive preparations are complete; my daughters stand at the altar, radiant as blazing flames. I am awaiting you—let everything proceed without obstacle. Why delay?” Hearing Janaka’s words, Dasharatha brought in his sons and the groups of sages. Janaka then addressed Vasiṣṭha: “O righteous sage, let all rites be performed together with the sages.” Vasiṣṭha agreed, and, placing Viśvāmitra and Śatānanda at the forefront, constructed the altar in the center of the pavilion. He adorned the altar with fragrant flowers, golden vessels, decorated pots filled with sprouts, bowls of grains, incense, conch vessels, ladles, garlands, and vessels for offerings, all arranged with reverence. Prepared rice and fried grains were set out, and darbha grass was spread as prescribed, accompanied by proper recitation of mantras. The fire was established on the altar, and Vasiṣṭha, preceded by the proper rites and mantras, offered oblations. Then Sītā, adorned with ornaments, was brought 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; take her hand with your own. She is devoted, greatly blessed, and will follow you like a shadow.” Having spoken, Janaka poured water purified by mantras upon their joined hands, as gods and sages exclaimed, “Well done, well done!” Divine drums resounded and flowers showered from the heavens. Joyful, Janaka then called Lakshmana: “Come, good fortune to you; Urmila, whom I have prepared, is yours. Accept her hand; let not the proper time pass.” He addressed Bharata: “O delight of the Raghus, take Mandavi’s hand with your own.” Then he spoke to Shatrughna: “O mighty-armed one, take Shrutakirti’s hand with your own. All of you are gentle and steadfast in noble vows. May the Kakutsthas be with their wives; let not the proper time pass.” Hearing Janaka’s words, the four brothers joined hands with their brides. Guided by Vasiṣṭha, they circumambulated the fire, the altar, and the king. The great-souled descendants of Raghu, together with their wives and the sages, performed the marriage as prescribed. A brilliant shower of flowers fell from the sky, accompanied by the sounds of divine drums, songs, and musical instruments. Companies of Apsaras danced, Gandharvas sang sweetly, and at the wedding of the foremost Raghus, all beheld a wondrous sight. As the music resounded and the rituals concluded, the mighty brothers, having circled the fire three times, led their wives away, marking the completion of the sacred marriages.