The Divine Weddings of Ram and His Brothers
Seeta quietly witnessed the incident as she hesitantly stood before Ram with a garland in her hand. As she wrapped the garland around Ram's neck, the gods started showering flowers from the sky. The rishis celebrated Ram's victory in the swayamvar and blessed the newly-wed couple. After Ram was chosen as Seeta's husband, King Janak's messengers went to Ayodhya to inform Emperor Dasharath and his queens that their eldest son Ram had won Seeta's hand in her swayamvar. The news spread like wildfire, and everyone in Ayodhya was elated.
Lakshman married Urmila, Seeta's younger sister. Upon hearing the news of the marriage, King Dasharath and his ministers, friends, followers, and army traveled to Mithila to join in the wedding festivities. They brought expensive gemstones as gifts. Upon arrival, King Janak greeted Emperor Dasharath 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 Kushadhvaj, King Janak's younger brother, ruled over Samkasya and had two daughters, Mandavi and Shrutikruti. Maharshis Vashishth and Vishvamitra proposed that Bharat and Shatrughna marry these two princesses, which King Kushadhvaj happily accepted. Thus, Bharat married Mandavi, and Shatrughna married Shrutikruti. After the wedding celebrations, Rishi Vishvamitra departed for the Himalayas for penance. Emperor Dasharath 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 Dasharath 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.