In the auspicious early hours, King Janaka, filled with devotion and joy, warmly welcomed the assembled sages, teachers, and priests. He then addressed the wise and loyal sage Satananda, saying, “O noble and learned brother Kusadhwaja, despite being the ruler of Sankasya, displays no trace of his power, position, or wealth. His humility will indeed grace this sacred and joyous occasion. Let the necessary arrangements be made to invite him.”
Understanding the king’s intent, Satananda dispatched the swiftest horsemen with a message of great purpose. They reached Kusadhwaja, conveyed the occasion’s significance and the king’s command, and returned to Mithila with Kusadhwaja and his retinue. Upon arrival, Kusadhwaja respectfully greeted the sages, priests, and the king, humbly bowing and expressing his gratitude for the honor of seeing them.
Following the customary exchanges, King Janaka asked Satananda to send for the wise counselor Sudhama, a man of profound knowledge in societal intricacies, governance, and diplomacy, adept in both strategy and eloquent discourse. The king instructed Sudhama, “Go to King Dasaratha and invite him with due honor, along with his sons, priests, teachers, and close kin. King Janaka eagerly awaits his esteemed presence.”
King Dasaratha, honoring the invitation, arrived at Janaka’s palace. The grandeur and humility of the setting filled every heart with joy. Dasaratha and his kin were received with traditional rites befitting the noble lineages of both houses. The formal introductions took place with grace and simplicity, setting the stage for the sharing of ancestral lineages, a revered tradition among royal families.
Addressing Janaka, King Dasaratha began, “My honorable Janaka, our Ikshvaku lineage traces back to the Creator, Brahma, who begot Marichi. Marichi fathered Kasyapa, who in turn fathered Manu, the lawgiver. Manu’s son, Ikshvaku, was the first king of Ayodhya. His descendants are famed for valor and righteousness, including King Trishanku, King Mandhata—whose strength served both gods and men—and the mighty Sagara, who earned his name by surviving poison at birth. Through generations of noble kings, we reach King Bhagiratha, who brought the holy Ganga to earth, and King Raghu, whose deeds of valor are etched in time. From this venerable line comes King Dasaratha, and his sons Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna.”
Hearing this, King Janaka, with hands folded in reverence, acknowledged the grandeur of the Ikshvaku lineage. He then began recounting his own lineage, saying, “It is our tradition that the bride’s family honors the grooms with our ancestry. The great emperor Nimi, my ancestor, founded Mithila. His line includes King Devaratha, who was bestowed a divine bow by the gods, and many wise and just rulers down to my father, who entrusted me with the guardianship of my younger brother Kusadhwaja. Despite my position, he remains my heart’s dear companion, known for his virtue and humility. In a great battle, I vanquished King Sudhanva of Sankasya and crowned Kusadhwaja as its rightful ruler, in accordance with royal custom.”
Then, King Janaka thrice proclaimed, as is customary, “I give my daughters Sita, to Rama, and Urmila, to Lakshmana, with no hesitation or reservation. These unions bring us joy, and we bestow upon the Ikshvaku family these brides with blessings and gifts of cows, gold, land, and ornaments. Today, under the sacred auspices of the Makar star and the brightness of the Uttaraphalguni star in three days, we celebrate these auspicious marriages.”
With everyone in agreement, they dispersed, each to their own quarters, in anticipation of the ceremonies to come.