With great reverence and care, the sacred wedding preparations were set in motion. Bowls brimming with tender sprouts, vessels filled with fragrant incense, conch shells, ladles, garlands, and containers for arghya and other offerings were arranged, each item honored as tradition prescribed. Vessels overflowed with fried grains and well-cooked rice, and fresh darbha grass was spread upon the altar, all accompanied by the solemn chanting of mantras. Upon this sacred altar, the illustrious sage Vasiṣṭha established the ritual fire, performing every rite and recitation as required. Into the flames, he offered oblations, sanctifying the moment with his wisdom and devotion. At that auspicious hour, Sītā was brought forth, adorned in all her ornaments, radiant and graceful. She was placed before the sacred fire, facing Rāghava—Rāma himself. Then King Janaka, his heart full, turned to Rāma, the joy of Kausalyā, and spoke: “Here is Sītā, my daughter, your companion in righteousness. Accept her, blessed one; take her hand in yours. She is devoted, virtuous, and will follow you faithfully, as a shadow follows the form.” Having declared this, King Janaka poured water purified by sacred mantras over their joined hands, while the gods and sages cried out in delight, “Well done, well done!” From the heavens, a great sound of divine drums arose, and a shower of flowers rained down, blessing the union. Thus, Janaka gave his daughter Sītā to Rāma, sanctified with mantra-blessed water. Filled with joy, Janaka then called to Lakṣmaṇa, “Come, fortunate one! Urmila, whom I have prepared, is yours. Accept her hand—let the proper time not pass.” In turn, he addressed Bharata, “O delight of the Raghus, take Mandavi’s hand with your own.” And to Śatrughna, 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 sons of Kakutstha be with their wives, for the auspicious hour is upon us.” Hearing Janaka’s words, the four princes joined hands with their brides, as directed by Vasiṣṭha. Together, the couples circumambulated the fire, the altar, and the king, fulfilling every sacred rite. The noble sons of Raghu, with their wives and the gathered sages, performed the marriage as prescribed by tradition. From the sky, a brilliant shower of flowers descended, accompanied by the resounding music of divine drums, songs, and instruments. Apsaras danced in joy, and Gandharvas sang sweet melodies; all the heavens rejoiced at the wedding of the foremost sons of the Raghu line. Amidst these wonders, the sound of instruments resounded as the mighty princes, after circling the fire three times, led their brides away. The newly wedded couples, together with their families, made their way to the resting place, followed by King Janaka, the assembly of sages, and all the relatives, their hearts filled with happiness. Thus ended the sacred wedding, and a new chapter began. When night had passed, the great sage Viśvāmitra, having taken leave of the two kings, departed for the northern mountains. After Viśvāmitra’s departure, King Daśaratha, bidding farewell to the king of Videha, swiftly returned toward his own city. Before the royal parties parted, King Janaka bestowed abundant bridal gifts. The lord of Mithilā gave hundreds of thousands of cows, fine woolen blankets, silks, and countless garments. He gifted elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, all adorned and resplendent. He presented a hundred maidens, each attended by excellent male and female servants, as well as gold, pearls, and coral in abundance. Overjoyed, Janaka gave incomparable gifts, and with all rites fulfilled, he took leave of Daśaratha. Janaka returned to his city of Mithilā, while Daśaratha, accompanied by his noble sons and with the sages at the forefront, set out for Ayodhyā. As the procession moved forward, a strange and ominous sign appeared: terrifying birds cried out all around, and the animals of the earth began to move in circles. Disturbed by these portents, Daśaratha questioned Vasiṣṭha, “These birds are grim, and the animals are circling. What is this that makes my heart tremble and my mind sink?” Vasiṣṭha, wise and calm, replied, “Hear me, O King. A dreadful, divine danger has arisen, as foretold by the cries of these birds. Yet, these circling animals bring calm—let your distress be set aside.” Even as they spoke, a fierce wind swept over the land, shaking the earth and toppling great trees. The sun was shrouded in darkness, and the directions became indiscernible. Ash covered everything, bewildering the entire army; only Vasiṣṭha, the sages, the king, and his sons remained aware, while all others seemed insensible in the gloom. In that terrible darkness, Daśaratha beheld a fearsome figure—a mighty being with matted hair, radiating power. It was Bhārgava, the son of Jamadagni, destroyer of kings. Unassailable as Mount Kailāsa, blazing with radiance, he bore an axe over his shoulder, a bow shining like lightning, and a fierce arrow in his hand, resembling Śiva in his wrath. Seeing this formidable ascetic blazing like fire, the sages led by Vasiṣṭha, devoted to recitation and sacrifice, prepared themselves for whatever was to come, knowing they stood in the presence of a being of immense power and purpose.