Kuśaketu
Kuśaketu was the brother of King Janaka of Mithilā. He was the father of two daughters, Māṇḍavī and Śrutakīrti.
At the great Sītā-Rāma kalyāṇa (wedding) at Mithilā, his two daughters were given in marriage to Bharata and Śatrughna. This joined the families of Janaka and Daśaratha through four marriages.
The four marriages
The four marriages of Rāma’s family were held at Mithilā. Brahmā fixed the auspicious muhūrta (hour) in the month of Mārgaśīrsha. Janaka performed the kanyādāna (the giving away of the bride) for Sītā and Ūrmiḷā. Kuśaketu’s daughters Māṇḍavī and Śrutakīrti were given in marriage to Bharata and Śatrughna. Māṇḍavī married Bharata and Śrutakīrti married Śatrughna. (Tulasī Rāmāyana, Bāla Kāṇḍa, Vivāha Mahotsava)
In the Agni Purāṇa
The Agni Purāṇa names Śrutakīrti as the daughter of Kuśaketu. The Agni Purāṇa also names her as the daughter of Kuśadhvaja, Janaka’s brother, in some accounts. (Agni Mahā Purāṇa, Chapter 5)
Sources
- Tulasī Rāmāyana, Bāla Kāṇḍa, Vivāha Mahotsava
- Agni Mahā Purāṇa, Chapter 5