Seeta-Rama Sacred Union (Ramayana Series 10)

<<Ramayana Series 9

As King Janaka expressed his intent to wed Sita to Rama after the bow-breaking feat, Sage Vishwamitra addressed him with a noble proposal: "O Janaka! This divine union between Rama and Sita, and Lakshmana and Urmila, is both dharmic and auspicious. But I wish to propose something more. Your virtuous younger brother Kushadhvaja, has two daughters of incomparable grace and beauty. I urge you to offer them in marriage to Prince Bharata and the wise Shatrughna. These four princes of the Ikshvaku lineage are all mighty, youthful, and radiant like the guardians of the world. Strengthen this noble alliance with your house."

With the approval of Sage Vasishtha and Vishwamitra, Janaka humbly agreed. "This sacred alliance with the illustrious Ikshvaku lineage is a blessing to our kingdom. Let my brother Kushadhvaja's daughters be given in marriage to Bharata and Shatrughna. Let the four weddings take place on the same auspicious day under Phalguni Nakshatra, ruled by Bhagadevata, the deity of fertility and creation."

He further added, "O revered sages! By your guidance, I have been shown the path of this righteous act of Kanyadana. I am your disciple. Not just this—let the thrones of my three kingdoms be yours. Kindly instruct me in every way."

King Dasharatha, filled with joy, praised Janaka and said, "O King of Mithila! You and your brother are embodiments of virtue. Your daughters' marriages to my sons bring great fortune to us. I shall now return to our camp to perform the necessary pre-wedding rituals like Nandishraddha and Abhyudaya." Saying so, he left with the sages to prepare.

The rituals were performed with precision. The next day, a noble guest named Yudhajit arrived. He was the son of the Kekaya King and uncle to Bharata. With affection and warmth, he greeted Dasharatha and expressed his desire to see his nephew. Dasharatha honored Yudhajit with due respect.

That night passed in serene joy. At dawn, Dasharatha completed his morning rituals and proceeded with the sages to the sacrificial hall. Rama, adorned with celestial ornaments and purified by protective rites, joined his father in the company of sages.

Sage Vasishtha approached King Janaka, informing him, "O King! The preparations are complete. Dasharatha and his sons await your gracious presence to fulfill your vow."

Janaka replied, "There is no hesitation. Let them come to this palace which is theirs as much as mine. My daughters too have completed their rites. I await at the sacred marriage altar, ready to begin the divine ceremony."

As invited, Dasharatha, with his four sons and the sages, approached the mandapa. The altar was beautifully decorated with sacred pots, offerings, incense vessels, conch shells, and vessels filled with holy items.

In the heart of the mandapa, with due Vedic rites, fire was kindled and the Abhyudaya homa was performed. Sita, adorned in all ornaments, was brought forward and seated before Rama. Janaka addressed Rama: "O noble Rama! This is my daughter Sita. May she become your eternal companion in dharma. Take her hand, and may auspiciousness be upon you both. She shall follow you as your shadow in every walk of life."

Placing Sita's hand into Rama's, Janaka chanted sacred mantras, poured sanctified water into Rama's palms, and performed the holy Kanyadana. As the divine act completed, the heavens rejoiced. Celestial beings and sages chanted, "Sadhu! Sadhu!"

Following this, Janaka gave Urmila to Lakshmana, Mandavi to Bharata, and Shrutakirti to Shatrughna in marriage.

After the Panigrahana (hand-holding) ritual, the four couples offered respectful salutations to the fire, the altar, the sages, and King Janaka. They completed the remaining sacred wedding rites with devotion.

With joy and grace, the newly married couples returned to their chambers. King Dasharatha, with his ministers, kinsmen, and sages, followed them with blessings in his heart.

This sacred event marks the union of the Ikshvaku and Videha lineages, a moment that would forever echo in the hearts of devotees. Read more such divine moments every Sunday on Dheemahi Yakshagana Kala Kendra's Ramayana Series.