On the day King Dasharatha performed Godaanam for his sons' weddings, Bharata's maternal uncle, Yudhajit, the prince of the Kekaya kingdom, arrived at Mithila. He met the king Dasharatha and said,’The King of Kekaya has lovingly asked about your well-being. All the people from our land, whose welfare you may wish to know, are healthy and happy. The King of Kekaya wishes to see Bharat. I came to Ayodhya to take him. Upon reaching there, I learned that all your sons have traveled with you to Mithila for their weddings.Hearing this, I came here immediately.'

King Dasharatha welcomed his guest with great respect and hospitality. After spending the night with his sons, they all rose in the morning, completed their daily duties, and went to Janaka's assembly hall, accompanied by sages. Later, during the auspicious Vijay Muhurta, which was ideal for marriage, Shri Ramachandra arrived with his brothers, dressed and adorned appropriately as bridegrooms. The ceremonies began with all necessary auspicious rituals. The occasion was free of any obstacles or fears.

'After this, Sage Vashistha went to King Janaka and said, 'O King! Please fulfill your sacred duty of giving your daughters in marriage.’

Hearing this, the righteous King Janaka replied, ‘Please proceed’

Upon hearing Janaka's words, Vashistha informed Dasharatha, who entered the venue with his sons and sages. King Janaka then requested Vashistha, 'Sage, please conduct all the wedding rituals with the help of other sages.' Vashistha agreed and, with Vishwamitra and Shatananda, prepared the vedi in the wedding pavilion. He got it decorated it beautifully with flowers, sandalwood, golden vessels, sacred vessels with sprouts, and other ritual items. Agni was kindled as per rules, and offerings were made into the sacred fire while chanting Vedic mantras.

King Janaka then brought Sita, adorned with all ornaments, and seated her near Shri Ram. He said, 'Rama, may you be blessed! Here is my daughter Sita. She will be your companion in performing sacred duties. Accept her hand in marriage. She is devoted, virtuous, and will always support you like your shadow.' Saying this, Janaka poured sanctified water into Rama's hand to signify the sacred bond. The sages and gods praised Janaka's fortune, drums resounded in the heavens, and flowers were showered from the sky.

Next, Janaka joyfully addressed Lakshmana, 'Lakshmana, may you be blessed! I give Urmila to you. Please accept her.' He then said to Bharat, 'Raghunandan, accept Mandavi's hand in marriage.' Finally, he told Shatrughna, 'O mighty one, accept Shrutakirti as your wife.' The four brothers accepted the hands of the four princesses.

Under Vashistha's guidance, they performed the sacred fire rituals and completed the wedding according to Vedic traditions. Afterwards, they returned to their resting place with their brides. King Dasharatha, along with sages and relatives, followed them.

The next morning, Sage Vishwamitra sought permission from Janaka and Dasharatha to leave. After bidding farewell, Dasharatha also prepared to depart. King Janaka, as dowry, gave abundant wealth, including lakhs of cows, fine blankets, silken and cotton clothes, and numerous ornaments. He also gifted elephants, horses, chariots, and soldiers, all adorned with precious jewels. For his daughters, he sent a hundred maidens as companions and several servants. Additionally, pearls, corals, gold, and other treasures were given.

After completing these arrangements, Janaka bid farewell and returned to his palace. King Dasharatha, with his sons, daughters-in-law, sages, and soldiers, began their journey back to Ayodhya.

Knowledge Bank

Meaning of Lomaharshana

Lomaharshana is also known as Romaharshana. Loma or roma in Sanskrit means hair. Harsha means goosebumps. Lomaharshana is the first Suta, the narrator of the Puranas. His narration was so exciting that the audience used to get goosebumps.

When is Angarki Chaturthy 2025 ?

Angarki Chaturthi in 2025 is on August 12, 2025.