From the noble Suketu was born Devarāta, a righteous and mighty soul, renowned as Bṛhadratha, the royal sage. Bṛhadratha’s son was Mahāvīra, valiant and powerful, and from Mahāvīra came Sudhṛti, steadfast and truly courageous. Sudhṛti’s lineage continued with the birth of Dhṛṣṭaketu, a king of great virtue, and from him was born Haryaśva, celebrated among royal sages. Haryaśva’s son was Maru, whose own son was Pratīndhaka. From Pratīndhaka came Kīrtiratha, a righteous king. Kīrtiratha’s son, Devamīḍha, fathered Vibudha, and Vibudha’s son was Mahīdhraka. Mahīdhraka, mighty among kings, was succeeded by Kīrtirāta, and from the royal sage Kīrtirāta was born Mahāromā. Mahāromā’s son was Svarṇaromā, righteous and noble, and from him came Hrasvaromā, another royal sage. Hrasvaromā, the great-souled knower of righteousness, had two sons: I am the elder, Janaka, and my valiant younger brother is Kuśadhvaja. When the time came, my father anointed me as king and, entrusting the burdens of the kingdom to me, he went to the forest, installing Kuśadhvaja as king in another realm. When my aged father departed this world and attained heaven, I ruled righteously, always treating my brother Kuśadhvaja, who is equal to the gods, with deep affection. In due course, a powerful king named Sudhanvā came from Sāṃkāśya and besieged Mithilā. He sent a message demanding the unrivaled bow of Śiva and my daughter Sītā, the lotus-eyed maiden. Because I refused his demand, a fierce battle ensued. In that confrontation, I slew King Sudhanvā. Having defeated him, I anointed my heroic brother Kuśadhvaja as king in Sāṃkāśya. Thus, O great sage, I am the elder and Kuśadhvaja is my younger brother. With utmost joy, I offer you both brides. May good fortune be yours! I give Sītā, my daughter—equal to the daughters of the gods and won by prowess—to Rāma, and Urmilā to Lakṣmaṇa. And so, for the second time, and even a third, I say without doubt: with the greatest joy, I give you both brides, O best of sages. O king, arrange for the gifting of cows for Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, and perform the ancestral rites. May good fortune be yours; conduct the wedding ceremony. Today is the auspicious constellation Maghā; on the third day, under the Uttara Phalgunī star, perform the wedding for Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, making all the auspicious gifts. Now, hear the next part of this sacred tale in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. When King Janaka of Videha had spoken thus, the great sage Viśvāmitra, together with Vasiṣṭha, addressed him, the valiant king. “O best of men, the lineages of the Ikṣvākus and the Videhas are unfathomable and immeasurable; truly, there is no one equal to them. The union of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa with Sītā and Urmilā is fitting in both righteousness and beauty. And now, O foremost of men, hear my words: this is King Kuśadhvaja, my younger brother, who knows righteousness. To this righteous one, unmatched in beauty on earth, belong two daughters. O best of men, we seek them as wives for your sons, Bharata and the wise Śatrughna. These sons of Daśaratha, endowed with beauty and youth, are all equal to the guardians of the world, their valor like that of the gods. Let the noble house of Ikṣvāku, O king of righteous deeds, be joined without anxiety to yours by this alliance.” Hearing these words from Viśvāmitra and the counsel of Vasiṣṭha, Janaka, with joined palms, spoke reverently to the two eminent sages. “I consider this lineage blessed, for whom you two foremost sages yourselves command such a fitting alliance. So be it—may it be auspicious for you! Let these daughters of Kuśadhvaja become the wives of both Śatrughna and Bharata together. On a single day, O great sage, let the four mighty princes take the hands of the four royal maidens.” He continued, “On the following day, O Brāhmaṇa, the wise praise the marriage ceremony under the Phalgunī stars, when Bhaga and Prajāpati preside.” Having spoken these gentle words, King Janaka rose with joined palms and addressed both eminent sages. “A supreme righteousness has been done for me; I am your disciple as well. Here are the chief seats—please be seated, O foremost sages. As Ayodhyā is to Daśaratha, so is this city to me; there is no doubt in authority—please act as you see fit.” As Janaka of Videha spoke thus, King Daśaratha, delighted, replied to the lord of the earth, “You two brothers, kings of Mithilā, are young and possess countless virtues; sages and assemblies of kings have been honored by you both. May you attain well-being and prosperity; we shall return to our abode and duly perform the ancestral rites.” Having sought the king’s leave, Daśaratha, renowned for his greatness, proceeded swiftly, placing the two chief sages, Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha, at the forefront. Thus, the arrangements for the most auspicious wedding of the four royal couples were set in motion, blessed by the sages and filled with joy and righteousness.