The brides and the grooms were then readied and brought to the stage. As they were all seated on the stage they appeared to light up the entire city of Mithila. The ladies experienced unlimited thrill. They praised their good fortune as being able to witness the wedding of not just Sita but all the four princesses.

This is divine will. If God so wills He can do anything. Who can do what God does? Who can possess all that God has? God alone is the eternal witness. His will alone can accomplish anything.

The wedding was going on. But the four brothers would not raise their heads and look at anybody. In the modern age on the other hand conversations and frivolous behaviour begins much before marriage! But here the brides and grooms sat with heads lowered in humility and modesty throughout the ceremony. They carried out the instructions of the priest without raising their heads. I am narrating these incidents to you to highlight the high order of discipline and idealism entertained in those days. Janaka stood beside Rama and prepared to give away the bride. He offered him Sita’s hand and said, ‘Rama, here is my daughter, Sita’. But Rama would not look at Sita despite Janaka’s entreaties. This was because the custom of those said that, a woman would become a wife only when the sacred Mangalasutra was tied around her neck. Until then the bride and the groom were not expected to look at each other. This was a strict discipline exercised in those days. Such discipline will never appear either today or tomorrow. None can set or match the ideals that were established by the four brothers.

The wedding took place. It was now the time for the garlanding ceremony. The bride waited with garlands in their hands, as did the grooms. The three brothers would begin their tasks only after Rama started it first. The parents too waited behind the children. They went up to Rama and bade him to place the garland around Sita’s neck so that other remaining brothers could also do the same. Rama did so and all the brothers followed suit. It was now the turn of the brides. Sita waited with the garland in her hands. Moments passed but Rama would not bend his head! His was a valour and dignity that raised, strung and broke the mighty bow of Lord Shiva. He did not want to bend his head before a woman. And in order to protect his own honour he kept standing.

Rama was tall, broad shouldered and valiant. Though young of age all the brothers were tall and physically strong. The long delay made the people impatient. They wondered as to why Rama refused to bow His head. Rama too was not keen to remain thus. He looked at Lakshmana and made an almost imperceptible signal .The four brothers were always sharp and alert. This was depicted in Tyagaraja’s song.

But for their devotion to Rama

Would a monkey cross the ocean?

Would the goddess Lakshmi worship you?

Would Lakshmana willingly serve you?

Would the highly intelligent Bharat

offer his prostrations to you?

Oh! How great indeed is the power of devotion

to Lord Rama’s strength

(Telugu Poem)

Lakshmana was the incarnation of Adisesha, the heavenly serpent that carried the entire world on it hood. He caught Rama’s signal and understood that Rama wanted him to raise the portion of earth where Sita was standing. With equally slight shake of his head he indicated that this plan would defy the laws of nature and was hence not suitable for execution. If Sita was raised, so everyone else! Rama signalled back to Lakshmana hit upon an idea. All of a sudden, he fell at Rama’s feet and would not get up. Rama was forced to bend down and raise Lakshmana from his feet. Grabbing this chance, Sita at once placed her garland on Rama’s neck. The moment Sita garlanded Rama; the other sisters too proceeded to garland their grooms. This incident amply demonstrates the lofty, disciplined and honourable style of functioning and behaviour of the brothers. The wedding was soon performed. The party returned to Ayodhya.

Sita,Urmila, Mandavi and Shrutakeerthi were highly virtuous. They came from a highly reputed family. King Janaka was known to have mastered his senses. He was an acknowledged expert in Jnana Yoga . Daughters from such a family cannot be ordinary mortals. (SSB 2002, pp. 56-59)

The people of Mithila were fascinated by appearance of Rama. They went in ecstasy watching the conduct and beauty of Rama. They thought that Rama and Sita made an excellent match. They sang songs inviting people to see the marriage of Rama and Sita. One such song goes like this:

Sri Sitaramula Kalyanamu Choothamu Rarandi

Welcome to all for Rama’s wedding;

together we shall witness the joyous scene.

Many have g gathered already,

decked up in all their finery.

With necklaces the ladies are adorned

of jewels pure and gleaming.

Rama shall tie the knot today

to beauteous Sita, oh what a fine match they make.

Father Dasharatha has made ready bounteous feasts.

All learned sages are assembled with Vashistha presiding.

Oh, what a multitude has assembled

To rejoice, hearts with joy overflowing.

Wedding of the holy pair

Rama and Sita, such a sight is indeed rare.

The sight shall confer great merit.

Rama looks the cool full moon,

and sits is a matching double.

The compassionate Rama who loves all

will confer his grace on us all.

Come quickly to see the holy wedding of Rama and Sita. (Telugu Song)

People sang songs like this, rejoicing at the marriage of Rama and Sita. The people of Ayodhya as well as Mithila were greatly delighted. They rejoiced immensely. (SSB 2002, pp. 108-109)