Shloka 1.73.24
त्रिसप्ततितमः सर्गः (Sarga 73): Mithilā Vivāha—Kanyādāna and the Fourfold Marriage Rites
दर्भैस्समैस्समास्तीर्य विधिवन्मन्त्रपूर्वकम्।अग्निमादाय वेद्यां तु विधिमन्त्रपुरस्कृतम्।।।।जुहावाग्नौ महातेजा वसिष्ठो भगवानृषि:।
darbhais samais samāstīrya vidhivan mantrapūrvakam |
agnim ādāya vedyāṃ tu vidhimantrapuraskṛtam ||
juhāva agnau mahātejā vasiṣṭho bhagavān ṛṣiḥ || 1.73.24 ||
Then, having evenly strewn darbha grass in due form and preceded by mantras, the venerable and radiant sage Vasiṣṭha established the fire upon the altar; guided by the prescribed mantras, he offered oblations into that fire.
Brilliant and worshipful rishi Vasishta chanted, mantras according to tradition, put the darbha grass of equal proportions around the altar, placed the fire on the altar, recitedthe mantras from the scriptures and offered oblations into the flame.
Dharma is adherence to sacred discipline: mantras and correctly prepared materials sanctify action, making the rite truthful, accountable, and socially binding.
The sacred fire is installed on the altar and the homa begins under Vasiṣṭha’s direction, marking the formal start of the marriage-sacrament.
Vasiṣṭha’s authoritative steadiness—he embodies the continuity of Vedic tradition and ensures the rite proceeds correctly.