When Sītā was carried off by the mighty and arrogant demon Rāvaṇa, she found herself utterly alone and helpless in the wild forests, separated from you, Rāma. Yet, even in those dire circumstances, her devotion to you did not waver. Within the confines of Rāvaṇa’s inner chambers, she was strictly guarded by fierce rākṣasīs of terrible intent, yet her mind and heart remained steadfastly fixed on you. Despite being threatened and relentlessly tempted in many ways, Maithilī never faltered. Her inner self was unwavering, holding you as her only refuge. Now, let Maithilī be received—pure in heart and free from all sin. Let there be no further doubt or discussion, for I command it so. Hearing these words, Rāma, the best among speakers, felt his heart gladdened and his eyes brimmed with joy. He paused for a moment, pondering deeply. Then, the mighty, steadfast, and righteous Rāma addressed the chief of the gods with humility and resolve. He spoke: "Indeed, Sītā deserved to be purified before all people, for though she is virtuous, she dwelt long within Rāvaṇa’s inner chambers. If I had not tested Jānakī, the world would have called me childish and ruled by desire. I know Sītā well—the daughter of Janaka, whose heart is undivided and who guards my own heart with hers. Even this wide-eyed lady, protected by her own virtue, could not be violated by Rāvaṇa, just as the mighty ocean cannot overstep its shore. Yet, relying on truth and for the assurance of the three worlds, I permitted Vaidehī to enter the fire. The wicked-hearted one could not, even in thought, violate Maithilī, who is as unattainable as a blazing tongue of fire. She does not deserve any reproach for having remained in Rāvaṇa’s chambers, for Sītā is devoted to me alone, just as radiance is to the sun. Maithilī, daughter of Janaka, is pure in all the three worlds; she cannot be abandoned by me, just as a man of honor cannot abandon his fame. I must certainly act according to the words that are beneficial to all of you, the affectionate lords of the people, who speak thus for my good." Having spoken thus, the victorious and mighty Rāma, praised for his deeds, was joyfully reunited with his beloved Sītā. Rāghava, having overcome all trials, now enjoyed the happiness he so truly deserved. Now begins the one hundred nineteenth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Yuddhakāṇḍa. Hearing these auspicious words from Rāghava, the great lord spoke even more auspicious words in reply: "O lotus-eyed, mighty-armed, broad-chested subduer of foes, by great fortune this righteous deed has been accomplished by you. By your valor, the terrible darkness that oppressed the world has been dispelled, and the fear born of Rāvaṇa has been removed from all living beings. Go now and comfort Bharata, who is afflicted, and the illustrious Kausalyā. Go see Kaikeyī and Sumitrā, the mother of Lakṣmaṇa. Having regained your kingdom in Ayodhyā and delighted your friends, O mighty one, restore and establish the great Ikṣvāku dynasty. Perform the horse sacrifice, attain supreme fame, and give generously to the Brāhmaṇas; thus, you will be worthy to ascend to heaven. Here is your father, King Daśaratha, dwelling in a celestial chariot, O descendant of Kakutstha—your illustrious teacher among men. He has reached Indra’s world and was delivered by you, his son. Together with your brother Lakṣmaṇa, approach and greet him." Hearing these words from Mahādeva, Rāghava, along with Lakṣmaṇa, bowed reverently to their father, who stood radiant atop his celestial chariot. There, they beheld King Daśaratha, glorious and free from all stain, clothed in celestial garments, shining with his own splendor. The king was filled with immense joy at the sight of his sons, dearer to him than life itself. Seated on a splendid seat, the mighty-armed lord drew Rāma onto his lap, embraced him with his arms, and spoke with deep emotion: "Heaven holds little value for me, nor does honor from the foremost of gods, if I am deprived of you, Rāma. This is the truth I declare to you. Today, seeing you with your enemies vanquished, my heart is fulfilled. Your forest exile is complete, and supreme joy fills me. O best among speakers, the words spoken by Kaikeyī that led to your banishment have long weighed upon my heart. But now, seeing you safe and embracing you and Lakṣmaṇa, I am freed from sorrow, like the sun emerging from mist. I have been rescued by you, my noble and virtuous son, just as the righteous Brahmin Kahola was saved by Ashtavakra. Now I understand, gentle one, that the supreme man was appointed by the lords of gods for the destruction of Rāvaṇa. Kausalyā is truly fulfilled, for she will joyfully see you, Rāma, returned home from the forest, destroyer of enemies. Blessed are those who will behold you entering the city, crowned as king and lord of the earth. I wish to see you united with Bharata, who is devoted, strong, pure, and righteous. Fourteen years you have spent in the forest, dwelling with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, all for my sake. Now, having completed your exile, fulfilled your vow, and slain Rāvaṇa in battle, you have satisfied the gods themselves.