Nitya Raama Smaranam - Baala Kaanda- 87

The wedding procession from Ayodhya reached Mithila to a warm welcome.

• Raja Dasaratha said, “Gather riches from our treasury and let a grand procession leave for Mithila, with the Chaturangini Sena, rathas, palanquins, etc. Let the Maharishis Vashishta, Vaamadeva, Jaabaali, Kaashyapa and the long-lived Maarkandeya and Kaatyaayana travel at the forefront and I shall follow in a bejewelled ratha.”
• In four days, Raja Dasaratha’s retinue reached the borders of Videha, where Raja Janaka welcomed them. He was ecstatic meeting Dasaratha – “Welcome, Welcome, O Raghava! I am gladdened by your coming as that of the godly sage Vashishta and other Munis.”
• Raja Janaka continued, “O Dasaratha! Indra among Kings! Please begin the marriage celebrations and the marriage itself will take place after Vedic-ritual in 3-4 days. These great sages can decided the muhurta for the marriage.” Raja Dasaratha said, You are the donor, so as you wish.”
• Raja Janaka was thrilled on hearing King Dasaratha’s words. Shri Rama and Lakshmana, with Sage Vishwamitra at their head, also came and bowed to their father. Raja Janaka too completed the preparatory rituals for the marriage and went to rest.