With the holy sage Viśvāmitra and the virtuous Śatānanda leading the way, the great ascetic Vasiṣṭha began the sacred preparations. In the very center of the festal pavilion, he carefully constructed the altar, following every prescribed rite. Around this altar, he placed fragrant flowers, golden vessels, and decorated pots filled with fresh green sprouts, their life and fragrance filling the air. Bowls brimming with sprouts, incense vessels wafting sacred smoke, conch shells, ladles, garlands, and vessels for arghya and other offerings were respectfully arranged, each in its proper place. Vessels of fried grains and carefully prepared rice were set out, and darbha grass was spread as the scriptures command, all accompanied by the solemn recitation of mantras. When all was ready, Vasiṣṭha established the sacred fire upon the altar, performing the necessary rites and chanting the appropriate mantras, and began to offer oblations into the blazing flames. At that auspicious moment, Sītā, adorned in her finest ornaments, was brought forward and placed before the fire, facing Rāma. King Janaka, his heart full, addressed Rāma, the joy of Kausalyā: “Here is Sītā, my daughter, your companion in righteousness. Accept her, O fortunate one; take her hand in yours. She is devoted to her husband, greatly blessed, and will follow you faithfully as your shadow.” With these words, Janaka poured water purified by mantras over their joined hands, while the gods and sages above cried out, “Well done! Well done!” From the heavens, divine drums resounded and a shower of flowers rained down, sanctifying the moment as Janaka gave his beloved daughter, now blessed with mantra-water, to Rāma. Filled with joy, King Janaka then called to Lakṣmaṇa: “Come, Lakṣmaṇa, good fortune to you! Urmilā, whom I have prepared, is yours. Accept her hand before the proper time passes.” Turning to Bharata, Janaka said, “O delight of the Raghus, take Mandavi’s hand with your own.” And to Śatrughna he spoke: “O mighty-armed one, take Shrutakīrti’s hand in yours. All of you are gentle souls, steadfast in noble vows. May the sons of Kakutstha be joined with their wives at this auspicious hour.” Hearing Janaka’s words, the four brothers—Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, Bharata, and Śatrughna—joined hands with their brides as directed by Vasiṣṭha. Together, the four couples circumambulated the sacred fire, the altar, and the king, fulfilling the ancient marriage rites. The great-souled sons of Raghu, united with their wives, and accompanied by the sages, completed the marriage ceremonies as prescribed. At that wondrous moment, a brilliant shower of flowers fell from the sky, accompanied by the music of divine drums, sweet songs, and melodious instruments. Companies of Apsarases danced, and Gandharvas sang with delight, filling the air with celestial joy at the wedding of the foremost sons of Raghu. Amid the resounding music, the newly wedded couples circled the fire three times and then led their brides away. The sons of Raghu, with their wives, made their way to their resting place, followed by the king and a great assembly of sages and relatives, all watching with hearts full of happiness. As night passed and dawn arrived, the great sage Viśvāmitra took leave of the two kings and departed for the northern mountains. With Viśvāmitra gone, King Daśaratha, after bidding farewell to the king of Videha, set out swiftly for his own city. Before their departure, King Janaka bestowed abundant bridal gifts upon the brides and grooms. He gave hundreds of thousands of cows, fine woolen blankets, silks, and millions of garments. Elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, all beautifully adorned and of divine appearance, were also gifted. A hundred maidens, each with excellent male and female attendants, as well as gold, pearls, and coral, were given in generous measure. Delighted, King Janaka offered these incomparable gifts and, having performed all his duties, took leave of Daśaratha. Janaka then returned to his city of Mithilā, while Daśaratha, with his noble sons and the sages at the forefront, set out for Ayodhyā, accompanied by his army. As the king and his retinue journeyed, strange omens appeared: terrifying birds cried out all around, and the animals of the earth began to move in circles. Troubled, Daśaratha turned to Vasiṣṭha: “These birds are grim, and the animals are circling. What is this that makes my heart tremble and my mind sink?” Vasiṣṭha replied with gentle words: “Hear the meaning of these signs. A dreadful, divine danger has arisen, as foretold by the cries of the birds. As for the animals, their movement is calming; let your distress be eased.” Even as they spoke, a powerful wind arose, shaking the earth and toppling great trees. Darkness covered the sun, obscuring all directions. Ash fell everywhere, bewildering the entire army, while only Vasiṣṭha, the other sages, the king, and his sons seemed conscious amid the gloom; all others were insensible, as if enveloped in a terrible darkness. In that dire moment, Daśaratha beheld a formidable figure—one with a mass of matted hair, radiant and fierce. It was Bhārgava, the son of Jamadagni, the destroyer of kings, unassailable as Mount Kailāsa, and blazing with the fire of time. His radiance was so intense that ordinary eyes could scarcely behold him.