The son of the king of Kekaya, Bharata’s own maternal uncle, arrived in Ayodhyā and, after respectfully greeting King Dasharatha and inquiring about his welfare, spoke warmly. He conveyed his father’s affectionate greetings, assuring Dasharatha that all was well among those whose well-being he cherished. Then, addressing Dasharatha as the descendant of Raghu, he explained that his uncle, the lord of Kekaya, wished dearly to see his sister’s son, Bharata, and for this purpose, he had come to Ayodhyā. He further shared that he had heard of Dasharatha and his sons journeying to Mithilā for marriage, and so, together with Dasharatha, he had hastened to Ayodhyā, eager to see his nephew. Upon his arrival, King Dasharatha warmly welcomed his beloved guest. Dasharatha honored him with the highest hospitality, offering reverence befitting his status, and together with his noble sons, spent the night in pleasant company. At dawn, King Dasharatha, wise and dutiful, rose and performed the prescribed morning rites. Placing the revered sages at the forefront, he proceeded to the sacrificial enclosure. At the auspicious hour, Rāma and his brothers, adorned in splendid ornaments, performed the festive and sacred marriage rites. With Vasiṣṭha leading the assembly of great sages, the venerable Vasiṣṭha approached King Janaka of Videha. He addressed Janaka, declaring that Dasharatha, together with his sons who had completed the auspicious rites, now sought the giver—the one who would bestow his daughters in marriage. Vasiṣṭha reminded Janaka that all purposes are fulfilled through the giver and the receiver, urging him to follow his dharma and perform the excellent marriage. Janaka, the illustrious knower of supreme dharma, responded with humility and generosity. He declared that there was no hesitation or delay in his house; his daughters had already approached the altar, radiant like blazing flames, and all preparations were complete. He awaited only the sages, desiring that all proceed without obstacle. Upon hearing Janaka’s words, Dasharatha gathered his sons and the groups of sages and entered the pavilion. Janaka then requested Vasiṣṭha to perform all the rites together with the assembled sages for the marriage ceremony of Rāma, the delight of the world. Vasiṣṭha agreed, and, placing Viśvāmitra and Śatānanda at the forefront, constructed the altar properly in the midst of the pavilion. He adorned the altar with fragrant flowers, golden vessels, decorated pots containing sprouts, bowls filled with sprouts, incense, conch vessels, ladles, garlands, and vessels for arghya and other offerings. Vessels filled with fried grains and prepared rice were placed, and darbha grass was spread as prescribed, all accompanied by the proper recitation of mantras. Vasiṣṭha established the sacred fire and, after performing the prescribed rites and mantras, offered oblations. Then, Sītā, adorned with splendid ornaments, was brought and placed before the fire, facing Rāma. King Janaka addressed Rāma, increaser of Kausalyā’s joy, saying, “This is Sītā, my daughter, your companion in righteousness. Accept her hand, may good fortune attend you. 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 onto their joined hands, as gods and sages joyfully exclaimed, “Well done, well done!” A great sound of divine drums rang out, and a shower of flowers descended from the heavens. Thus, Janaka gave his daughter Sītā to Rāma, sanctified by mantra-water. Filled with joy, Janaka then called Lakshmana, inviting him to accept Urmila, whom he had prepared for him. He urged him not to let the auspicious time pass. Janaka addressed Bharata, inviting him to take Mandavi’s hand, and likewise spoke to Shatrughna, offering Shrutakirti’s hand. He blessed them all, wishing the Kakutsthas to be united with their wives without delay. Hearing Janaka’s words, the four sons of Dasharatha joined hands with their brides. Guided by Vasiṣṭha, they stood together and circumambulated the fire, the altar, and King Janaka. The great-souled descendants of Raghu, together with their wives and the sages, performed the marriage rites as prescribed. A radiant shower of flowers fell from the sky, accompanied by the sounds of divine drums, songs, and musical instruments. Companies of Apsaras danced, and Gandharvas sang sweetly, marveling at the wedding of the foremost Raghus. As the ceremonies continued, with instruments resounding, the mighty sons of Dasharatha, after circling the fire three times, led their wives away. The newly-wedded couples proceeded to their resting place, followed by the king, the assembly of sages, and relatives, all watching with joy. Thus concludes the seventy-third sarga. Now begins the seventy-fourth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa.