The bride and the bridegroom elegantly circled the fire, and all present there feasted their admiring eyes upon the spectacle. The enchanting pair cannot be described nor can a simile, adequate enough, be employed.The bride and the bridegroom elegantly circled the fire, and all present there feasted their admiring eyes upon the spectacle. The enchanting pair cannot be described nor can a simile, adequate enough, be employed.

The lovely reflections of Rama and Sita sparkled in the jewelled pillars, as though Love and his consort, Rati, had taken many forms and come to witness Rama’s peerless wedding.The lovely reflections of Rama and Sita sparkled in the jewelled pillars, as though Love and his consort, Rati, had taken many forms and come to witness Rama’s peerless wedding.

Again and again they revealed themselves, curious to see the sight, and then, overcome by modesty, went out of sight. All the spectators were enraptured and, like Janaka, lost all consciousness of self.

Joyously the sages bade the bride and the bridegroom pace round the fire and performed every rite, followed by offerings of ceremonial gifts. Rama applied vermilion to Sita’s head, a scene inexpressibly charming.Joyously the sages bade the bride and the bridegroom pace round the fire and performed every rite, followed by offerings of ceremonial gifts. Rama applied vermilion to Sita’s head, a scene inexpressibly charming.

His outstretched arm seemed like a serpent greedy for ambrosia, as it adorned her moonlike face with the red powder that filled his lotus hand. Then Vasishtha gave the direction and the bride and the bridegroom sat together on one seat.His outstretched arm seemed like a serpent greedy for ambrosia, as it adorned her moonlike face with the red powder that filled his lotus hand. Then Vasishtha gave the direction and the bride and the bridegroom sat together on one seat.

Rama and Janaki sat together on an excellent high throne, and as Dasharath fixed his gaze upon them, he rejoiced, joy thrilling along his veins again and again as he saw his own meritorious deeds bearing new fruit like the true of Paradise. There was rejoicing all over the universe and all cried ‘Rama is wedded!’ With one tongue how could anyone describe in full the joy which knew no bounds? Rama and Janaki sat together on an excellent high throne, and as Dasharath fixed his gaze upon them, he rejoiced, joy thrilling along his veins again and again as he saw his own meritorious deeds bearing new fruit like the true of Paradise. There was rejoicing all over the universe and all cried ‘Rama is wedded!’ With one tongue how could anyone describe in full the joy which knew no bounds?

Then, at Vasishtha’s order, Janaka provided all things necessary for the marriage ceremonial and sent for the other three princesses, Mandavi, Shrutakirti and Urmila. The eldest daughter of his younger brother Kushaketu, who was an embodiment of gentleness, virtue, joy and beauty, he gave in marriage to Bharata after affectionately performing every rite.