On the day King Dasharatha performed the supreme gifting of cows, a notable guest arrived: Yudhājit, the heroic son of the king of Kekaya. He was Bharata’s maternal uncle. Upon entering, Yudhājit greeted Dasharatha warmly, inquiring after his welfare and conveying affectionate messages from the king of Kekaya. He explained that the king, out of love, wished to see his sister’s son, Bharata, and so had sent Yudhājit to Ayodhyā for this purpose. Yudhājit had heard that Dasharatha and his sons had traveled to Mithilā for marriage, and so he had hastened to Ayodhyā, eager to see Bharata. Dasharatha welcomed his dear guest with the highest hospitality, honoring him appropriately. That night, Dasharatha, his noble sons, and Yudhājit rested together. When morning came, Dasharatha rose, performed the prescribed 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, the venerable sage, led the way, accompanied by other great sages, and approached King Janaka of Videha. He spoke: “King Dasharatha, together with his sons who have performed the auspicious rites, desires the giver. All purposes are accomplished through the giver and receiver; fulfill your duty by performing this excellent marriage.” Janaka, generous and wise, responded, “Who stands as my doorkeeper, waiting for whose command? What deliberation is there in my house, as if this kingdom were yours? All festive preparations are complete. My daughters have approached the altar, shining like blazing flames. I am awaiting you at this altar—let everything proceed without obstacle. Why the delay?” Hearing Janaka’s words, Dasharatha brought forth his sons and the groups of sages. Janaka then addressed Vasiṣṭha: “O righteous sage, let all the rites be performed together with the sages. The marriage ceremony of Rāma, delight of the world, is to be performed.” Vasiṣṭha agreed, and, placing Viśvāmitra and the righteous Śatānanda at the forefront, constructed the altar in the midst of the pavilion. He adorned the altar 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 arranged and honored. Vessels filled with fried grains and prepared rice were placed, and darbha grass was spread as prescribed, all accompanied by proper recitation of mantras. With the fire established on the altar, preceded by proper rites and mantras, the illustrious Vasiṣṭha offered oblations into the fire. Then, Sītā, adorned with all ornaments, was brought and placed before the fire, facing Rāma. King Janaka addressed Rāma, the increaser of Kausalyā’s joy: “This is Sītā, my daughter, your companion in righteousness. Accept her, good fortune to you; take her hand with your hand. 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 as Janaka gave his daughter Sītā, sanctified with mantra-water, to Rāma. Filled with joy, 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.” Janaka then addressed Bharata: “O delight of the Raghus, take Mandavi’s hand with your own.” He spoke also 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. As directed by Vasiṣṭha, the couples 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. From the sky, a shower of flowers fell, shining brightly, accompanied by the sounds of divine drums, songs, and musical instruments. Companies of Apsaras danced, and Gandharvas sang sweetly, filling the wedding of the foremost Raghus with wonder. As the music resounded, the couples, after circling the fire three times, led their wives away. The descendants of Raghu, with their wives, went to the resting place, followed by the king, the assembly of sages, and relatives, all watching with joy and reverence.