As the ascetics gathered together, concern stirred among them. Speaking quietly among themselves, they wondered whether Bhārgava—Rāma, son of Jamadagni—might, in anger over his father’s death, once again destroy the warrior class as he had done before. Yet some reassured the others, saying, “Having previously slain the warriors, his anger and fever have subsided; he does not intend to destroy the warriors again.” With these words, the sages took up their offerings and approached Bhārgava, whose appearance was formidable and awe-inspiring. Addressing him with sweet and gentle voices, they called out, “Rāma, Rāma!” Honored by this gesture from the ascetics, Bhārgava—powerful and renowned—turned his attention to Rāma, son of Daśaratha. Now begins the seventy-fifth chapter. Listen. Bhārgava spoke to Rāma, son of Daśaratha, praising his extraordinary prowess, which was celebrated throughout the land. He acknowledged that he had heard in detail of the wondrous and inconceivable feat of breaking the mighty bow. “Having learned of this,” Bhārgava declared, “I have come here, bringing another auspicious bow with me.” He presented the formidable and mighty bow of Jāmadagnya, challenging Rāma: “String it with an arrow and show your strength. If I see you succeed in stringing this bow, I will grant you a duel, for I wish to test your celebrated valor.” Hearing these words, King Daśaratha grew anxious. His face fell, and with joined palms he pleaded, “You, who have calmed your wrath against the warrior class and are a great ascetic among Brāhmaṇas, ought to grant safety to my young sons. Born in the Bhārgava lineage, devoted to study and vows, you pledged before Indra and set aside your weapons. Having become devoted to righteousness, you gave the earth to Kaśyapa and retired to the forest, dwelling on Mahendra. O great sage, if you have come for the destruction of us all, know that if Rāma alone is slain, none of us could continue to live.” But Bhārgava, mighty and resolute, disregarded Daśaratha’s words and addressed only Rāma. He explained, “Here are two excellent, divine bows, honored by the worlds—strong, powerful, and skillfully crafted by Viśvakarman. One was given by the gods to Tryambaka for battle, and it is the one you broke, O descendant of Kakutstha, destroyer of Tripura. The second, unconquerable bow was given to Viṣṇu by the best of the gods; this is the Vaiṣṇava bow, O Rāma, conqueror of enemy cities.” Bhārgava continued, “This bow is equal in essence to the Rudra bow. Then all the gods questioned the Grandfather to discern the relative strength of Śiva and Viṣṇu. Understanding their intent, the Grandfather caused enmity between them, and a great and hair-raising battle ensued. Both Śiva and Viṣṇu sought victory over the other, and the terrifying Śiva bow was drawn forth. Mahādeva, the three-eyed one, was halted by a roar, and the gods, sages, and celestial beings assembled. Entreating both for peace, they departed, seeing the bow of Śiva strained by Viṣṇu’s prowess. The gods and sages considered Viṣṇu to be superior, but Rudra, illustrious and enraged, gave the bow to King Devarāta, the royal sage, along with its arrows. This bow of Viṣṇu, O Rāma, is the conqueror of enemy cities.” “Viṣṇu entrusted the excellent bow to Ṛcīka Bhārgava, and Ṛcīka, of great splendor, gave it to his son, unmatched in deeds. My father gave the divine bow to Jamadagni, the great-souled one, when he laid down his weapons. Arjuna, acting with ordinary intelligence, caused death; hearing of his father’s cruel and improper killing, I repeatedly destroyed the warrior class in anger. Having gained the entire earth, I gave it as a sacrificial gift to the great-souled Kaśyapa at the end of the sacrifice, as a reward for virtuous deeds. Afterward, I dwelt at Mahendra, endowed with ascetic power; but upon hearing of the breaking of the bow, I came here swiftly.” Bhārgava concluded, “Thus, O Rāma, this great bow of Viṣṇu has come down from father and grandfather. Honoring the warrior’s duty, take up this excellent bow. Fit the conquering arrow to the best of bows; if you are able, O descendant of Kakutstha, then I will grant you a duel.” Now, let the seventy-sixth chapter be heard. In the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa, this is the seventy-sixth chapter. Having listened to Bhārgava’s words, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, constrained by respect, spoke first to his father and then to Bhārgava. “I have heard of the deeds you have performed, O Bhārgava; we honor you, O Brahman, for you have fulfilled your father’s debt. Yet you regard me as powerless, lacking in valor and unable to uphold the warrior’s duty. Behold my prowess today.” With these words, Rāghava, angered, took the mighty weapon of Bhārgava and the arrow from his hand, swift in valor. Rāma fitted the bow and made the arrow ready. Then, angered, he spoke to Jāmadagnya, “You are a Brāhmaṇa and worthy of my reverence, as is Viśvāmitra; therefore, O Rāma, I am not able to release the arrow that takes life against you.