With the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha at the forefront, accompanied by other great sages, the illustrious Vasiṣṭha approached King Janaka, ruler of Videha. Addressing him with respect, Vasiṣṭha spoke: “O King, King Daśaratha—together with his sons, who have performed the festive and auspicious rites, the foremost among men—now seeks the fulfillment of his heart’s desire. Indeed, all purposes are accomplished through the union of the giver and the receiver; fulfill your sacred duty by performing this excellent marriage.” Hearing these words from the generous and high-souled Vasiṣṭha, King Janaka, well-versed in the highest dharma, replied warmly, “Who stands as my doorkeeper, waiting for my command? What need for deliberation is there in my own house, as if this kingdom were not yours? All festive preparations have been completed, and my daughters have approached the altar, shining like blazing flames, O best of sages. I stand here at the altar awaiting you; let everything proceed without obstacle—why any delay?” Upon these words from Janaka, King Daśaratha brought in his sons and the gathered sages. Then Janaka addressed Vasiṣṭha: “O righteous sage, let all the sacred rites be performed together with the assembled sages.” The marriage ceremony of Rāma, delight of the world, was to be performed. Vasiṣṭha, assenting to Janaka’s request, placed Viśvāmitra and the wise Śatānanda at the forefront and, as a great ascetic, properly constructed the altar in the midst of the pavilion. He adorned the altar all around with fragrant flowers, golden vessels, and pots decorated with sprouting shoots. Bowls filled with sprouts, vessels of incense, conch shells, ladles, garlands, and vessels for arghya and other offerings were all duly honored. Vessels brimming with fried grains and prepared rice were set out, and darbha grass was spread as prescribed, all accompanied by the proper recitation of mantras. Upon that altar, the fire was kindled with the prescribed rites and mantras, and the illustrious Vasiṣṭha offered oblations into the sacred flames. Then Sītā, adorned with every ornament, was brought forth and placed before the fire, facing Rāma. King Janaka addressed Rāma, the joy of Kausalyā: “This is Sītā, my daughter, your companion in righteousness. Accept her—good fortune to you—take her hand with your own. She is devoted to her husband, greatly blessed, and will always follow you like a shadow.” So saying, Janaka poured water purified by mantras upon their joined hands, as the gods and sages exclaimed, “Well done, well done!” At that moment, a great sound of divine drums arose, and a shower of celestial flowers fell from the heavens. Thus, having given his daughter Sītā, sanctified with mantra-water, King Janaka, filled with joy, turned to Lakṣmaṇa: “Come, Lakṣmaṇa—good fortune to you! Urmilā, whom I have prepared, is yours. Accept her hand—let not the auspicious moment pass.” Then Janaka addressed Bharata: “O delight of the Raghus, take Mandavi’s hand with your own.” And to Śatrughna, he spoke: “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 not the proper time pass.” Hearing Janaka’s words, the four brothers joined hands with their brides. The four stood with the four, as directed by Vasiṣṭha. Together, they circumambulated the fire, the altar, and King Janaka. The noble descendants of Raghu, with their wives and the assembled sages, performed the marriage rites 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, and Gandharvas sang sweetly, and all who beheld the wedding of the foremost Raghus marveled at the wonder. Amidst the resounding music, the mighty princes, after circling the fire three times, led their wives away. The descendants of Raghu, with their wives, retired to their resting place, followed by the king and the assembly of sages and relatives, who watched with joy and reverence. When night had passed, the great sage Viśvāmitra, having taken leave of both kings, departed for the northern mountains. After Viśvāmitra’s departure, King Daśaratha, having bid farewell to King Janaka, swiftly returned to his own city. Meanwhile, King Janaka bestowed abundant bridal gifts. The lord of Mithilā gave hundreds of thousands of cows, fine woolen blankets, silks, and millions of garments. He presented elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, all splendidly adorned and of divine appearance. He gave a hundred maidens, each with excellent male and female attendants, along with gold, refined gold, pearls, and coral. Overjoyed, the king gave incomparable bridal gifts of many kinds before bidding farewell to Daśaratha. The lord of Mithilā then entered his own city, while the king of Ayodhyā, with his noble sons, placed the sages at the forefront and set out with his army. Thus, the great king, surrounded by the assembly of sages and Rāma, journeyed on, radiant as a tiger among men.