Sita Katha – Chapter 4: Sita and Ram's Wedding

The Marriage of Sita and Ram

In the previous chapter, we saw how Prince Ram won the Swayamvar of Sita by breaking the divine bow of Shiva. The entire city of Mithila was joyous with Ram's valor. Now, the auspicious moment for the marriage of Sita and Ram had arrived, filling both Ayodhya and Mithila with an atmosphere of celebration.

Preparations for the Wedding

Preparations for the wedding were in full swing in Janakpur. The entire city was being decorated with flowers and rangoli. Torans were hung at the doorways of houses, and auspicious songs were being sung everywhere. King Janak himself was overseeing the preparations, ensuring that there was no shortage of anything. Sita's friends were busy decorating her chamber, which was fragrant with various aromatic flowers.

"Oh friend, do you believe this is true?" Sita asked her dear friend Sunayana. "Will Ram truly be my husband?" Sunayana replied with a smile, "Goddess, it is indeed true. You yourself have chosen him. And to find a groom as radiant and valorous as Maharaj Ram is a matter of great fortune for any maiden." Sita lowered her eyes in shyness. A feeling of reverence and love for Ram was surging in her heart.

The Wedding Ceremony of Sita-Ram

At the auspicious time, Maharaj Dasharath arrived in Janakpur with his sons and a grand procession. They were given a magnificent welcome. The mandap was decorated with flowers and lamps, the fragrance of which sanctified the atmosphere. Ram and Sita were brought to the mandap. The priests chanted Vedic mantras, and circumambulations were performed around the sacred fire. With every mantra, the bond between Sita and Ram grew stronger.

Sita's eyes held a look of love and devotion. She had accepted Ram as the foundation of her life. She knew that Ram was not just the prince of Ayodhya, but he was the avatar of Lord Vishnu himself. Sita, who was the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi, was fulfilled by this union with Ram. The fire was a witness to their unbreakable love and devotion to duty. This marriage connected the earth and the heavens, a divine union that would be remembered for ages.

The Procession Departs for Ayodhya

After the wedding was completed, King Janak blessed Sita and bid her farewell for Ayodhya. Sita became emotional as she bid farewell to her parents and sisters. Maharaj Dasharath thanked Janak and accepted Sita as his daughter-in-law. The procession set off towards Ayodhya, the atmosphere echoing with the speed of chariots and horses.

In Ayodhya, Mother Kausalya and the other queens gave a grand welcome to the procession. The entire city was decorated with lamps, and there was an atmosphere of celebration in every home. Sita entered Ayodhya, and with her arrival, peace and prosperity resided there. However, fate had something else in store. This happiness was not to last long. In the coming times, Ram and Sita were to go into exile, which was a significant turning point in their story.