The Wedding Message from Mithila (Ramayana Series 9)

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As dawn broke over Ayodhya, weary hoofbeats approached the palace. The ministers and royal guards sent by King Janaka, after resting three nights along the long route, finally arrived at Ayodhya on the fourth day. At the palace gate, they declared their urgent wish to meet King Dasharatha on behalf of King Janaka. The doorkeepers promptly conveyed the message.

Dasharatha, upon learning of their arrival, respectfully invited the delegation into the royal court. There, before the majestic king, the messengers bowed and conveyed King Janaka’s words: "O King Dasharatha, ruler of Ayodhya! You are well aware of the vow I took, that my daughter Sita would wed only the one who could lift and string the sacred bow of Lord Shiva. Many valiant kings attempted but failed even to move the divine bow. Yet, your son, the noble Rama, with the blessings of Sage Vishwamitra, not only lifted the bow but shattered it effortlessly. Thus, he has rightfully won Sita’s hand. I seek your consent to unite our families through their sacred marriage. Please, accompanied by your preceptors and priests, come at once to Mithila and bless this joyous occasion."

Hearing these words, King Dasharatha was overjoyed. Turning to his ministers, priests, and revered sages, he said: "Respected ones! Rama, the delight of Kausalya and protector of dharma, currently resides in Mithila along with his brother Lakshmana under the guidance of Sage Vishwamitra. King Janaka, having witnessed Rama’s divine strength, desires to give Sita in marriage to my son. If you find this alliance suitable, let us all make haste to Mithila without delay."

With one voice, all the wise men and councilors in the assembly responded, "Let it be so! This alliance with King Janaka is most auspicious. Let us depart immediately."

The royal messengers from Mithila, hearing the decision, were filled with joy and spent the night with due honor in Ayodhya. That night, King Dasharatha, accompanied by relatives and advisors, called his charioteer Sumantra and said: "O Sumantra, the messengers urge us to proceed quickly. Prepare a fine chariot so we may reach Mithila without delay."

As per the king's command, a grand procession including sages, priests, ministers, and a fully equipped royal convoy set off for Mithila. After four days of travel, the great King Dasharatha arrived with his entourage.

King Janaka, having received news of Dasharatha’s arrival, made elaborate arrangements to welcome him. As Dasharatha entered the city, Janaka, overwhelmed with joy, greeted him with folded hands and heartfelt words: "O Jewel of the Raghu lineage! Your presence is a divine blessing. With your arrival, all obstacles have vanished. This sacred alliance with your glorious dynasty will bring honor to our lineage. Let the marriage take place at dawn tomorrow, following the conclusion of the yajna."

King Dasharatha, seated among sages and learned men, replied with humility: "O King Janaka, I have heard from the learned that acceptance of gifts such as daughters and cows lies solely with the donor. You, a knower of dharma and giver of this sacred gift, may proceed as you deem right. We are ready to follow your lead."

Soon after, Rama and Lakshmana, accompanied by Sage Vishwamitra, arrived at Dasharatha's presence and respectfully touched his feet. Dasharatha was overjoyed to see his radiant sons and spent the night in great happiness, honored and embraced by Janaka.

Thus, preparations for the grand wedding began in the city of Mithila, glowing with festive delight and divine blessing.