Rama Lakshmana Bharata Satrughna Marriages Fixed

Sage Viswamitra proposes marriages for Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Satrughna. King Janaka agrees, and Dasaratha performs sacred rites, uniting two great dynasties. 

Viswamitra's Proposal (Shlokas 1.72.1 - 1.72.8)

After King Janaka of Videha spoke about his family lineage, the great sage Viswamitra, accompanied by Vasishta, addressed the valiant king:

"O preeminent among men, the glory of the Ikshvaku and Videha dynasties is immeasurable and beyond comparison. No one equals these kings. The proposed marriages are perfectly matched in virtue and beauty:

1. Rama with Sita

2. Lakshmana with Urmila

O best of men, hear my words. Your younger brother, King Kusadhwaja, is known for his righteousness. We seek his two daughters, unrivaled in beauty, as consorts for the other two princes:

3. Bharata

4. Satrughna

These four sons of Dasaratha shine with youth and beauty, resembling the guardian deities of the worlds and possessing valor equal to the gods. O king, let both your families be tied together by this alliance, strengthening the bond between the pious Ikshvakus and your lineage."

Janaka's Response and Wedding Preparations (Shlokas 1.72.9 - 1.72.25)

Hearing Viswamitra's words, which echoed Vasishta's wishes, Janaka replied with folded hands:

"I consider our family blessed that you, eminent sages, recommend this fitting alliance. Let it be so. May Kusadhwaja's two daughters serve as wives for Satrughna and Bharata. O great ascetic, let the four princes take the hands of the four princesses on the same day.

The wise consider it auspicious to perform the marriage when Bhaga (the bestower of fortune) is the presiding deity, on the day following the ascent of the Phalguni stars (a pair of constellations in Hindu astrology, believed to be favorable for marriages)."

Janaka then addressed the two great sages, expressing his gratitude and offering them honored seats. He assured them that Dasaratha had as much authority in Mithila as Janaka had in Ayodhya.

Pleased with Janaka's words, King Dasaratha replied:

"You brothers, lords of Mithila, possess countless virtues and pay respects to many sages and kings. May you be blessed. I shall return to my camp to perform the necessary rites for our ancestors."

Dasaratha then left, following the two great sages. After reaching his residence, he performed the Shraddha ceremony (rites for ancestors) according to the scriptures. The next day at dawn, he conducted the cow-gifting ceremony, marking the beginning of the marriage preparations.

For each of his sons, the king donated one hundred thousand cows to Brahmins. These cows were adorned with gold-plated horns, accompanied by calves, and came with bronze milking vessels. Dasaratha also bestowed numerous other valuables upon the Brahmins.

Surrounded by his sons, for whom the cow-gifting ceremony had been performed, the cheerful king shone like Prajapati (the lord of creation) surrounded by the guardians of the world.

Thus ends the Seventy Second sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.