When news reached King Dasharatha that his sons had arrived in Mithilā for marriage, an honored guest hastened to Ayodhyā, eager to see the son of his own sister. Upon his arrival, Dasharatha welcomed this dear guest with the utmost hospitality, honoring him in a manner befitting one worthy of worship. Together with his noble sons, Dasharatha spent the night there, the atmosphere charged with anticipation and joy. At dawn, after performing the prescribed rites, the wise king, accompanied by the foremost sages, proceeded to the sacrificial pavilion. At the auspicious hour, adorned with splendid ornaments, Rāma and his brothers performed the festive and sacred rites for the occasion. Vasiṣṭha, the revered sage, led the assembly of sages and approached King Janaka of Videha, speaking with respect and clarity. “O King Janaka,” Vasiṣṭha said, “King Dasharatha and his sons, having completed the auspicious rites, now desire the hand of your daughters. All purposes are fulfilled when the giver and receiver come together. Perform this excellent marriage, fulfilling your dharma.” Janaka, high-souled and generous, replied with warmth, “Who here waits for my command? What need is there for further deliberation in my house, which is as much yours as mine? All is prepared—the festive arrangements are complete, and my daughters, shining like blazing flames, stand ready at the altar. I await only your presence; let nothing hinder us—why delay?” Hearing these words, Dasharatha brought forth all his sons and the gathered sages. Then King Janaka addressed Vasiṣṭha, “O righteous sage, let all the rites be performed together with the assembled sages.” Vasiṣṭha agreed, and with Viśvāmitra and Śatānanda at the forefront, he constructed the sacred altar in the midst of the pavilion. The altar was beautifully adorned with fragrant flowers, golden vessels, and pots filled with fresh sprouts. Bowls of sprouts, incense vessels, conches, ladles, garlands, and vessels for offerings were arranged with care. Vessels brimmed with fried grains and prepared rice, and sacred darbha grass was spread as prescribed, all accompanied by the proper recitation of mantras. When the fire was established on the altar, Vasiṣṭha, following every rite and mantra, offered oblations into the flames. Then, Sītā, adorned in all her finery, was brought forth and placed before the fire, facing Rāma. King Janaka spoke to Rāma, his voice full of affection: “This is Sītā, my daughter, your companion in righteousness. Accept her—good fortune be yours. Take her hand in yours. She is devoted, greatly blessed, and will follow you always, as a shadow follows the body.” Having spoken, Janaka poured water sanctified by mantras upon their joined hands, as the gods and sages rejoiced, exclaiming, “Well done, well done!” At that moment, a great sound of celestial drums filled the air, and flowers rained down from the heavens. Thus, Janaka gave his daughter Sītā to Rāma, sanctified by sacred mantras and divine approval. Filled with joy, Janaka then called to Lakshmana, “Come, good fortune to you! Urmila, whom I have prepared, is yours. Take her hand—let not the auspicious moment pass.” He addressed Bharata as well, “O delight of the Raghus, take Mandavi’s hand with your own.” And to Shatrughna, he said, “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 united with their wives; let the proper time not slip by.” Heeding Janaka’s words, the four brothers joined hands with their brides. Under Vasiṣṭha’s guidance, they circumambulated the fire, the altar, and King Janaka himself. The great-souled sons of Raghu, together with their wives and the assembled sages, performed the marriage rites as prescribed by tradition. From the sky, a brilliant shower of flowers descended, accompanied by the sounds of divine drums, melodious songs, and instruments. Apsaras danced, and Gandharvas sang sweetly, filling the air with wonder at the wedding of the illustrious Raghus. Amidst the music and celebration, the newly married couples circled the fire three times and then led their brides away. After the ceremonies, the sons of Raghu, with their wives, retired to their resting place, followed by the king, the sages, and all the assembled relatives, their hearts full of joy and satisfaction. As a new day dawned, the great sage Vishvamitra, having taken leave of both kings, departed for the northern mountains. With Vishvamitra gone, King Dasharatha, after bidding farewell to King Janaka of Videha, swiftly began his journey back to Ayodhyā. Before their departure, King Janaka bestowed abundant bridal gifts, generously giving hundreds of thousands of cows, honoring the union and sealing the bonds between the two royal houses.