When all the festive preparations were complete, King Janaka’s daughters approached the sacred altar, their presence radiant and shimmering like blazing flames. Janaka, standing at the altar and awaiting the arrival of the guests, spoke to the assembled sages in a voice filled with anticipation: “O best of sages, everything is ready, my daughters are here. Let all proceed without hindrance—why is there delay?” Hearing Janaka’s words, King Daśaratha entered, bringing with him his four sons and the groups of revered sages. Then Janaka, king of the Videhas, addressed the venerable Vasiṣṭha: “O righteous sage, let all the sacred rites be performed, together with these holy men.” Vasiṣṭha, the venerable sage, replied “So be it” and set about the task. He placed Viśvāmitra and the wise Śatānanda at the forefront, and with great care constructed the altar in the center of the grand pavilion. The altar was adorned all around with fragrant flowers, golden vessels, and beautifully decorated pots containing fresh sprouts. There were bowls filled with sprouts, vessels of incense, conch shells, ladles, garlands, and vessels for arghya and other offerings, all honored and arranged as prescribed. Vessels brimming with fried grains and prepared rice were set out, and darbha grass was spread as required, with the proper recitation of sacred mantras. Upon this altar, the sacred fire was established, preceded by the correct rites and mantras, and the illustrious Vasiṣṭha offered oblations into the fire. At the appointed moment, Sītā, adorned with every ornament, was led before the fire and placed facing Rāma. Then King Janaka approached Rāma, the joy of Kausalyā, and proclaimed, “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 always follow you as faithfully as a shadow.” Having spoken thus, Janaka poured water purified by mantras upon their hands, as the gods and sages above exclaimed, “Well done, well done!” In that moment, a great sound of divine drums arose and a shower of celestial flowers rained down. Thus, Janaka gave his daughter Sītā, sanctified with mantra-water, to Rāma. Filled with joy, King Janaka then turned to Lakṣmaṇa: “Come, Lakṣmaṇa, good fortune to you. Urmila, whom I have prepared, is yours. Accept her hand, do not let the auspicious time pass.” Janaka then addressed Bharata: “O delight of the Raghus, take Mandavi’s hand with your own.” And to Śatrughna, the virtuous king of Mithilā 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, each prince joined hands with his bride. As directed by Vasiṣṭha, the four brothers and their four brides stood together and circumambulated the sacred fire, the altar, and the king. The great-souled descendants of Raghu, together with their wives and the assembled sages, performed the marriage rites as prescribed. From the heavens, a brilliant shower of flowers fell, accompanied by the sounds of divine drums, songs, and musical instruments. Companies of Apsaras danced, and the Gandharvas sang sweetly; such was the wonder witnessed at the wedding of the foremost Raghus. As the music resounded and the ceremonies concluded, the mighty princes, after circling the fire three times, led their wives away. The descendants of Raghu, together with their brides, proceeded to their resting place, followed by the king, the sages, and the assembled relatives, all watching with joy. 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, bidding farewell to the king of Videha, swiftly began his journey back to Ayodhyā. Before their departure, the king of Videha bestowed abundant bridal gifts. The lord of Mithilā gave hundreds of thousands of cows, fine woolen blankets, silks, and millions of garments; elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, all adorned and of divine appearance. He gave a hundred maidens, each accompanied by excellent male and female attendants, and bestowed gold, refined gold, pearls, and coral—gifts beyond compare. Having given so many gifts, the delighted king took leave of his royal guest. The lord of Mithilā entered his own city, while Daśaratha, with his noble sons and the sages at the forefront, set out with his army for Ayodhyā. As they journeyed, ominous cries from terrifying birds echoed all around, and the animals of the earth began to circle restlessly. Observing these signs, Daśaratha, the tiger among kings, questioned Vasiṣṭha: “These birds are grim, and the animals are circling. What is this that makes my heart tremble and my mind uneasy?” The great sage Vasiṣṭha replied with gentle words: “Hear the meaning of these omens. A dreadful danger has arisen, a divine portent revealed by the cries of birds. Yet these circling animals are calming—let your distress be set aside.” As they conversed, a strong wind began to blow, heralding the events yet to unfold.