O Rāghava, your presence means more to me than even the joys of heaven; without you, such realms hold no value. Because of you, my son, I have been rescued and have attained a state as exalted as Indra’s own world. Then the king turned to Lakṣmaṇa and spoke with affection: “My son, you have earned immense merit. You, too, will reach the highest of the divine worlds, equal to your brother in glory.” Next, the king called Sītā to him and gently counseled her: “O virtuous lady, let not anger dwell in your heart toward your husband.” He assured her, “O auspicious-eyed one, your husband’s fame will be supreme.” With these words, Rāma remained seated in the celestial Puṣpaka chariot. Meanwhile, the foremost among the Rākṣasas hastened to Vibhīṣaṇa, bearing the news: “Rāma, accompanied by Sugrīva, has arrived.” Overjoyed at this message, Vibhīṣaṇa honored the spies with all manner of riches and treasures they desired. He then adorned the city in celebration and, with his ministers, went out to greet Rāma. As he approached, he beheld Rāma seated in the aerial car, radiant like the sun atop Mount Meru. With deep reverence, Vibhīṣaṇa prostrated himself in an eight-limbed salutation before Rāghava and declared, “Today my birth is fulfilled, and all my desires are accomplished.” He continued: “Because I have seen your divine feet, revered by the world and beyond reproach, I am worthy of praise, O Lord—even among the gods led by Indra. Dwelling in Rāvaṇa’s radiant palace, adorned with all jewels, I consider myself greater even than Purandara, the lord of the gods.” When Kakutstha (Rāma) was seated, Vibhīṣaṇa offered him the arghya and, with joined palms, addressed Sugrīva and Bharata as well. He said, “For Rāma, who has come here, there is nothing I can truly offer. This city of Laṅkā, won by Rāma who destroyed the thorn of the three worlds, was once given to me after the wicked one was slain. This city, its wives, sons, and even myself—I offer it all to you. May it all be inexhaustible for you.” Soon, all the citizens and dwellers of Laṅkā, filled with curiosity, gathered to see Rāghava. They entreated Vibhīṣaṇa, “Show us Rāma, O lord.” Vibhīṣaṇa conveyed their request to the great-souled Rāghava, and at Rāma’s command, Bharata received all the gifts they brought. The king of the monkeys collected the heaps of wealth and jewels, and so Rāma stayed in the abode of the Rākṣasas for three days. On the fourth day, as Rāma was seated in the assembly, Kekasī, the mother of Rāvaṇa, Kumbhakarṇa, and Vibhīṣaṇa, spoke to her son: “My child, I wish to see Rāma. Great merit is gained by beholding him, for he is Viṣṇu himself—the eternal Lord of four forms. Sītā is Lakṣmī; your elder brother did not recognize her, but your father once declared this before the assembly of gods. Viṣṇu will be born in the Raghu lineage as Daśaratha’s son, destined to destroy the ten-headed Rākṣasa.” Vibhīṣaṇa responded, “So be it, Mother. Accept the ninth boon, and take a vessel anointed with sandalwood, along with curds, honey, and grains of rice. Offer the argha with dūrvā grass and go to see the prince. Let Saramā and the other divine maidens accompany you. I will go ahead to Rāghava.” Having said this, Vibhīṣaṇa went before her to where Rāma was, clearing away the assembled Dānavas, purifying the hall, and positioning Rāma to face them. He addressed Rāma: “O Lord, please hear my request. She who gave birth to Daśagrīva, Kumbhakarṇa, and myself—our divine mother—wishes to see your feet. Be compassionate and grant her an audience.” Rāma replied, “Desiring to see my mother, I will go to her, O King of Rākṣasas; you go before me.” Having promised these words, Rāma rose from his seat, placed his joined palms on his head, and offered reverence, saying, “I salute you here; you are my mother by righteousness, and also through great austerity and merit. Whoever beholds your feet, O goddess, is fulfilled. I am pleased, O mother devoted to her sons, to have seen your auspicious feet. As Kausalyā is my mother, so too are you to me.” Kekasī blessed Rāma, “Live long, be happy. My husband once told me that Viṣṇu, assuming human form, has descended in the Raghu lineage for the welfare of the gods—to destroy Daśagrīva, to grant prosperity to Vibhīṣaṇa, to bring about Vālin’s death, and to build a bridge over the ocean. All this will be accomplished by Daśaratha’s son. Now, recalling my husband’s words, I recognize you. Sītā is Lakṣmī, you are Viṣṇu, as are the gods and the monkeys. I will return home, my son—may you attain lasting fame.” Then Saramā spoke: “Here in the Ashoka grove, your beloved Jānakī has remained for a full year, attended by me, O lord; she dwells in comfort. O tormentor of foes, I constantly remember Sītā’s feet; day and night I wonder, ‘When will I see that goddess again?’ Why has Jānakī not been brought here by the lord of gods? Alone, you would not shine, nor would a woman without you. Sītā shines in your presence, and you, O tormentor of foes, shine by her side.” As Saramā spoke thus, Bharata inquired, “Who is this?