The Divine Wedding of Rama and his brothers
Balakanda - Sarga 73
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Balakanda - Sarga 73
Discover the grand marriage ceremony of Rama and Sita, alongside Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. Kings Dasharatha and Janaka preside over this sacred union in Mithila.
On the day King Dasharatha gifted the finest cows, the valiant Yudhajit arrived. Yudhajit, son of the Kekaya king and maternal uncle to Bharata, met King Dasharatha and inquired about his well-being. He then conveyed a message:
"My father, the Kekaya king, sends his warm regards. Those you care for are in good health. O Joy of the Raghus (an epithet for Rama's family), O King of Kings, my father wishes to see his grandson. That's why I came to Ayodhya. However, upon learning of your arrival in Mithila for your sons' marriages, I hastened here to see my nephew."
King Dasharatha warmly welcomed his honored guest. After spending the night with his illustrious sons, Dasharatha:
Arose at dawn
Performed his daily devotions
Reached the sacrificial place, following the sages
At the auspicious time called Vijaya, Rama approached with his brothers. They were:
Adorned with various ornaments
Accompanied by Vasishtha and other great sages
Surrounded by their brothers in their father's presence
Vasishtha, the venerable sage, addressed King Janaka: "O King of Videha, King Dasharatha and his sons have completed all pre-marriage rites. They await the brides' bestowal."
Janaka, known for his generosity and ethics, replied:
"Who guards my door? Whose command do we await? Why hesitate to enter your own house? This kingdom is like your own. My daughters stand ready at the altar, radiant as flames. I await at this altar. Let the king proceed without delay."
Hearing this, Dasharatha entered the marriage pavilion with his sons and the sages. King Janaka then requested Vasishtha: "O Righteous One, O Great Sage, perform Rama's marriage ceremony with the other sages."
Vasishtha, along with Vishwamitra and Shatananda, prepared the altar according to scripture. They adorned it with:
Fragrant flowers
Golden vessels
Water pots with sprouts
Incense holders
Conch-shaped vessels
Other ritual items
Vasishtha then:
Chanted mantras
Placed sacred grass around the altar
Lit the sacred fire
Offered oblations
King Janaka brought Sita, adorned with ornaments, and placed her before the fire, facing Rama. He said:
"This is Sita, my daughter. She will be your partner in righteous deeds. Accept her and prosper. Take her hand in yours. She will be a devoted wife, following you like a shadow."
As Janaka sprinkled sanctified water, gods and sages exclaimed, "Well done!" Celestial drums sounded, and flowers rained from the sky.
After giving Sita to Rama, Janaka addressed each brother:
To Lakshmana: "Accept Urmila as your bride."
To Bharata: "Take Mandavi's hand in yours."
To Shatrughna: "Hold Shrutakirti's hand."
Janaka then addressed all four brothers: "O Descendants of Kakutstha (an ancestor of Rama), you are gentle and virtuous. Live happily with your wives, without delay."
The four princes took their brides' hands with Vasishtha's consent. They then:
Circumambulated the sacred fire
Circled the altar
Paid respects to King Janaka and the sages
Completed the marriage ceremony according to scripture
As the princes held their brides' hands, divine occurrences manifested:
A shower of bright flowers fell from the sky
Celestial drums resounded
Songs and instrumental music filled the air
Apsaras (celestial dancers) performed
Gandharvas (celestial musicians) sang sweet melodies
Amidst the joyous celebration, the brothers circled the sacred fire three times with their brides, sealing their vows. Afterward, they departed for their tents, followed by King Dasharatha, sages, and relatives, all watching with pride and joy.
Thus ends the Seventy Third sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.