The Divine Weddings of Rama and His Brothers

Sita quietly witnessed the incident as she hesitantly stood before Rama with a garland in her hand. As she wrapped the garland around Rama's neck, the gods started showering flowers from the sky. The sages celebrated Rama's victory in the swayamvar and blessed the newly-wed couple. After Rama was chosen as Sita's husband, King Janaka's messengers traveled to Ayodhya to inform Emperor Dasharatha and his queens that their eldest son Rama had won Sita's hand in her swayamvara. The news spread like wildfire, and everyone in Ayodhya was elated.

Lakshmana married Urmila, Sita's younger sister. Upon hearing the news of the marriage, Emperor Dasharatha and his ministers, friends, followers, and army journeyed to Mithila to join in the wedding festivities. They brought expensive gemstones as gifts. Upon arrival, King Janaka greeted Emperor Dasharatha and the wedding procession at the door. The procession included large elephants, horses, gold chariots, dancers, singers, and guests dressed in magnificent attire. Melodious songs filled the air, creating a joyful atmosphere.

King Kushadhwaja, King Janaka's younger brother, ruled over Samkasya and had two daughters, Mandavi and Shrutikruti. Sages Vashishtha and Vishwamitra proposed that Bharat and Shatrughna marry these two princesses, which King Kushadhwaja happily accepted. Thus, Bharata married Mandavi, and Shatrughna married Shrutikruti. After the wedding celebrations, Sage Vishwamitra departed for the Himalayas for penance. Emperor Dasharatha returned to Ayodhya with his four princes, daughters-in-law, ministers, friends, followers, and the army.

On the occasion of his sons' marriage, the emperor generously donated four lakh cows to the Brahmins in his kingdom. These cows would provide an abundant quantity of milk. The residents of Ayodhya eagerly waited for the princes and their brides, wanting to welcome them grandly. They lit lamps everywhere in Ayodhya. Thousands of Brahmins and subjects came to the palace to greet the emperor, the four princes, and their wives. Riding in chariots, the king and the princes joined their hands and accepted the people's greetings. The entire city was decorated with flags, crackers, and flower garlands.

As the marriage procession with the brides and grooms returned to Ayodhya, every house had a festive atmosphere. The streets resounded with the sounds of conches and drums. The women of Ayodhya began singing songs of joy. The residents of Ayodhya started showering flowers on Emperor Dasharatha and the princes. The three queens welcomed the brides and grooms. The four princes married beautiful and qualified women, and everyone in Ayodhya was happy.