King Dasharatha, accompanied by his sons—noble and radiant after the completion of all festive and auspicious rites—stood ready, his heart filled with longing for the fulfillment that comes from the sacred act of giving and receiving. For, indeed, all aspirations find their completion through the harmony of giver and receiver; thus, it was urged that each should follow their own dharma and bring this excellent marriage to fruition. The venerable sage Vasiṣṭha, generous and wise, spoke these words, prompting the illustrious Janaka, knower of supreme righteousness, to reply with humility and warmth: “Who in my house awaits my command as a doorkeeper? What need is there for deliberation here, as if this kingdom were not yours? All preparations for the festival are complete, and my daughters, adorned and glowing like flames of fire, have approached the altar, O best of sages. I stand here, awaiting you at this sacred place—let all proceed without hindrance; why should there be any delay?” Hearing Janaka’s earnest invitation, King Dasharatha brought forth his sons and the assembly of sages. Then Janaka addressed Vasiṣṭha: “O righteous sage, let all the rites be performed together with the sages.” Thus, the marriage ceremony of Rama, delight of the world, was to be celebrated. Vasiṣṭha, the venerable sage, assented with a “So be it” to Janaka’s request. Placing the great sages Vishvamitra and Śatānanda at the forefront, Vasiṣṭha arranged the altar at the center of the pavilion. He adorned the altar with fragrant flowers, golden vessels, and pots filled with sprouting grains. Around it were placed bowls of sprouts, incense vessels, conch shells, ladles, garlands, and vessels for arghya and other offerings, all honored according to tradition. Vessels brimmed with fried grains and prepared rice, and sacred darbha grass was spread, accompanied by the proper recitation of mantras. The fire was established on the altar with all the prescribed rites, and the illustrious sage Vasiṣṭha offered oblations into the sacred flames. Then, Sītā, adorned with every ornament, was brought forward and placed before the fire, facing Rama. King Janaka, his heart swelling with joy, addressed Rama, the delight of Kausalyā: “This is Sītā, my daughter, your companion in righteousness. Accept her—good fortune to you! Take her hand in yours. She is devoted to her husband, greatly blessed, and will follow you always, as a shadow follows the body.” With these words, Janaka poured water, purified by mantras, upon their joined hands, as the gods and sages exclaimed in delight, “Well done, well done!” The heavens resounded with the beat of divine drums and a rain of flowers. Thus, Janaka gave his daughter Sītā, sanctified by mantra-water, to Rama. Overflowing with happiness, Janaka then called Lakshmana: “Come, good fortune to you! Urmila, whom I have prepared, is yours. Take her hand; let not the proper time pass.” In turn, he addressed Bharata: “O joy of the Raghus, take Mandavi’s hand with your own.” And to Shatrughna, the virtuous king of Mithila spoke: “O mighty-armed one, take Shrutakirti’s hand with yours. All of you are gentle and steadfast in noble vows. May the Kakutsthas be united with their wives without delay.” Hearing Janaka’s words, the four princes joined hands with their brides. As directed by Vasiṣṭha, the four couples circumambulated the sacred fire, the altar, and the king. The great-souled descendants of Raghu, together with their wives and the assembly of sages, performed every rite 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, filling the wedding of the foremost Raghus with celestial wonder. Amidst the resounding music, the princes, after circling the fire three times, led their brides away. The descendants of Raghu, with their wives, withdrew to their resting place, followed by the king, the sages, and the assembly of relatives, all watching with satisfaction and joy. Thus concludes the seventy-third sarga. Now begins the seventy-fourth. When night had passed, the great sage Vishvamitra, having taken leave of both kings, departed for the northern mountains. After Vishvamitra’s departure, King Dasharatha, taking leave of the king of Videha, set out swiftly for his own city. Before they parted, King Janaka bestowed abundant bridal gifts—hundreds of thousands of cows, fine woolen blankets, silks, and millions of garments. He gave elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, all splendidly adorned and of divine appearance. He presented a hundred maidens, each accompanied by excellent male and female servants, as well as gold, refined gold, pearls, and coral. Greatly delighted, Janaka gave incomparable gifts, and after bestowing these riches, he took leave of Dasharatha. The lord of Mithilā entered his own city, while the king of Ayodhyā, with his noble sons, set out with the sages at the forefront. As Dasharatha, tiger among men, journeyed with the assembly of sages and Rama, ominous cries from terrifying birds echoed all around, and the animals of the earth began to move in restless circles, hinting at events yet to unfold.