Let us listen to the seventy-sixth and seventy-seventh chapters of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa. After the fierce encounter with Jāmadagnya, the son of Daśaratha, Rāma, compelled by reverence, addressed his father and then turned to Rāma Jāmadagnya himself. He spoke with calm dignity, “O Bhārgava, I have heard of your mighty deeds and honor you, O Brahman, for you have faithfully discharged your father’s debt. Yet you seem to regard me as weak, lacking valor, and unworthy of a warrior’s duty. Today, O Bhārgava, behold my prowess.” Having spoken thus, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, his anger kindled, swiftly seized the great weapon and arrow from Bhārgava’s hand. With sure hands, he strung the mighty bow and made the arrow ready, his eyes ablaze with righteous fury. Then, addressing the formidable Jāmadagnya, Rāma declared, “You are a Brāhmaṇa and, like Viśvāmitra, worthy of my deepest reverence. Therefore, O Rāma, I cannot unleash this life-taking arrow against you. Instead, I stand ready: either I shall destroy your path, O Rāma, or I will strike down the worlds you have gained by your unmatched asceticism. This is my resolve.” He continued, “This divine arrow of Viṣṇu, O conqueror of cities, never falls in vain. By its power, it humbles the pride of strength.” At that moment, to witness this wondrous event—Rāma holding the supreme weapon—all the gods, sages, and the Grandsire himself assembled. Gandharvas, Apsarases, Siddhas, Cāraṇas, Kinnaras, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, and Nāgas gathered as well, eager to behold the unfolding miracle. The world seemed to stand still as Rāma held the mighty bow, his presence radiating immense power. Jāmadagnya, overwhelmed by Rāma’s brilliance, felt his own strength ebb away. Yet, gazing at Rāma with joy, he spoke gently, “Long ago, I gave the earth to Kāśyapa, and by his command, I do not dwell within my own domain. From that time, O descendant of Kakutstha, I have faithfully kept Kāśyapa’s word and do not remain on earth at night. “Therefore, O heroic Rāghava, do not destroy my path. I will go, swift as thought, to Mount Mahendra, the greatest of mountains. O Rāma, the worlds I have won through asceticism are yours to strike down with your supreme arrow, lest the appointed time of destruction 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 destroyer of foes. Behold, all the hosts of gods are assembled, watching you, whose deeds are beyond compare, unmatched in battle. Nor should it be a cause of shame for me, O descendant of Kakutstha, that I am turned away by you, the lord of the three worlds. O steadfast Rāma, release your peerless arrow; after you do so, I shall depart to Mahendra, the greatest of mountains.” When Jāmadagnya had thus spoken, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, released the supreme arrow. The worlds won by Jāmadagnya’s asceticism were struck down by Rāma’s might, and Jāmadagnya, swift as the wind, departed for Mount Mahendra. At once, clarity returned to all directions; the gods and sages praised Rāma, wielder of the mighty bow. In mutual respect, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, was honored by Rāma, son of Jamadagni. Circumambulating him, the lord Jāmadagnya departed on his own path. Now begins the seventy-seventh chapter. When Rāma Jāmadagnya had departed, the tranquil and renowned Rāma, son of Daśaratha, entrusted the mighty bow to the immeasurable Varuṇa. Then, bowing to the sages led by Vasiṣṭha, Rāma saw his father, Daśaratha, still anxious and spoke to him, bringing delight to the Raghu line: “Jāmadagnya Rāma has gone. Let the fourfold army now advance toward Ayodhyā, under your protection as its lord.” Hearing these words, King Daśaratha embraced his beloved son Rāghava with both arms and kissed his head. The king’s heart overflowed with joy and relief, as if both he and his son had been born anew. He ordered the army to march on, and they swiftly entered the splendid city, adorned with banners and flags, resounding with the music of drums and other instruments. The royal road was freshly sprinkled and beautiful, strewn with heaps of flowers. The townspeople, bearing auspicious offerings, greeted the king at the city’s entrance. Entering the city, filled and adorned with assembled crowds, the king was welcomed from afar by citizens, Brahmins, and city dwellers alike. With his sons and glorious companions, the illustrious Daśaratha entered his beloved palace, as resplendent as Mount Himavat. Within the palace, the king rejoiced with his people, honored and fulfilled in every desire. Kausalyā, Sumitrā, and the fair-waisted Kaikeyī also rejoiced. Engaged in welcoming the new brides, as were the other royal women, they received Sītā, greatly fortunate, and the illustrious Urmilā. The royal ladies took both daughters of Kuśadhvaja, adorned with auspicious words and offerings, clad in fine garments. All of them promptly worshipped at the shrines of the gods, while at that time, all the royal sons paid respects to those worthy of honor. The women, filled with joy, delighted in private with their husbands, their marriages accomplished, skilled in arms, and surrounded by wealth and friends. Thus, the house of Raghu was filled with happiness and prosperity.