After bestowing the earth upon Kāśyapa, I, endowed with ascetic power, took up my dwelling at the great mountain Mahendra. Yet, when I heard news of the breaking of the mighty bow, I hastened here with all speed. Thus, O Rāma, this great bow of Viṣṇu has descended through generations, from father to grandfather. Honoring the duty of a warrior, take up this excellent bow. Fit the conquering arrow to the peerless weapon; and if you are able, O descendant of Kakutstha, then I will grant you a duel. Let the seventy-sixth chapter now be heard, as recounted in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, within the Bāla Kāṇḍa. Hearing the words of Jāmadagnya, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, bound by respect, first spoke to his father and then addressed Rāma of the Bhārgava line. “O Bhārgava, I have heard of your deeds; we honor you, O Brahman, for you have fulfilled your father’s debt. Yet you regard me as powerless, lacking valor, and unable to uphold the warrior’s way. Behold my prowess today.” Having spoken thus, Rāghava, his anger kindled, took the mighty weapon and the arrow from Bhārgava’s hand with swift valor. Rāma fitted the bow and made the arrow ready; then, his anger still burning, he spoke to Jāmadagnya: “You are a Brāhmaṇa, worthy of my reverence, as is Viśvāmitra. Therefore, O Rāma, I am not able to release this life-taking arrow against you. Instead, I shall destroy either this path of yours, O Rāma, or I shall strike down the worlds you have won by your ascetic power—this is my resolve. For this divine arrow of Viṣṇu, O conqueror of enemy cities, does not fall in vain; by its power, it destroys the arrogance of strength.” At that moment, to witness Rāma, bearer of the supreme weapon, all the gods, with the hosts of sages and the Grandsire at their head, assembled there. Gandharvas, Apsarases, Siddhas, Cāraṇas, Kinnaras, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, and Nāgas—all gathered to witness this wondrous event. The world itself seemed to pause, motionless, as Rāma held the supreme bow in his hands. Jāmadagnya, overwhelmed, gazed at Rāma with a sense of joy, his own strength diminished by the radiance of Rāma. Rendered powerless, he spoke gently to Rāma, whose eyes resembled lotus petals: “Long ago, I gave the earth to Kāśyapa, and he instructed me never to dwell within my own domain. From that time, I have kept his word, never staying on earth at night. O hero, do not destroy this path of mine; I will go, swift as thought, to Mahendra, the greatest of mountains. The worlds, unconquered by any but won by my asceticism, may be struck down by your foremost arrow, so that the time of destruction does not arrive. I know you to be the undying slayer of Madhu, the lord of gods; by your mere touch of this bow, may all be well with you, O scorcher of foes. All these hosts of gods have assembled and are watching you, whose deeds are unmatched, who has no equal in battle. Nor should it be a cause of shame for me that I have been turned away by you, the lord of the three worlds. O Rāma of steadfast vows, release your peerless arrow; after you do so, I will depart for Mahendra, the greatest of mountains.” When the mighty Jāmadagnya had spoken thus, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, glorious and resolute, released the supreme arrow. Jāmadagnya beheld his own worlds, won by asceticism, struck down by Rāma’s might, and swiftly departed for Mahendra. The directions and all quarters were made clear once more. The gods and hosts of sages praised Rāma, wielder of the mighty bow. Rāma, son of Daśaratha, was honored by Rāma, son of Jamadagni, who, after circumambulating him in reverence, departed on his own path. Now, let the seventy-seventh chapter be heard. When Rāma of the Bhārgava line had departed, the tranquil-minded Rāma, son of Daśaratha and famed throughout the land, placed the great bow into the hands of the immeasurable Varuṇa. Then, bowing to the sages led by Vasiṣṭha, he turned to his father, who was still troubled, and spoke words of reassurance: “Jāmadagnya Rāma has gone. Let the fourfold army now proceed towards Ayodhyā, protected by you, O king.” Hearing these words, King Daśaratha embraced his son Rāghava with both arms and kissed his head. Joy filled the king’s heart upon hearing that Rāma had departed, and he felt as if both he and his son had been born anew. He ordered the army to advance and swiftly returned to the city, which was adorned with banners and flags, resounding with the joyous noise of drums and musical instruments. The royal road was sprinkled and lovely, strewn with heaps of flowers, and the townspeople, bearing auspicious offerings in hand, greeted the king at the city’s entrance. The king entered Ayodhyā, filled and adorned with crowds of people, welcomed from afar by citizens, Brahmins, and city dwellers alike. Accompanied by his sons and glorious companions, the illustrious king made his way into his beloved palace, splendid as Mount Himavat itself. Within the palace, the king rejoiced with his people, honored and with every desire fulfilled. Kausalyā, Sumitrā, and the fair-waisted Kaikeyī rejoiced as well, joining the other royal women in welcoming the brides. Sītā, greatly fortunate, and the illustrious Urmilā were received with honor and joy.