As the tension hung thick in the air, the mighty Jāmadagnya, known as Paraśurāma, addressed Rāma with deep respect. He acknowledged Rāma’s lineage and the presence of the revered sage Viśvāmitra, saying, “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.” Yet, his resolve remained strong. He declared, “Either I will destroy this path of yours, O Rāma, or I will strike down the worlds, unrivaled, which have been won by the power of asceticism—this is my resolve.” He spoke of the divine arrow of Viṣṇu, noting its unfailing power: “For this divine, Viṣṇu's arrow, O conqueror of enemy cities, does not fall in vain; by its power, it destroys the arrogance of strength.” As Rāma stood, bearing the supreme weapon, the gods, led by the Grandsire Brahmā, assembled along with hosts of sages to witness this extraordinary moment. Gandharvas, Apsarases, Siddhas, Cāraṇas, Kinnaras, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, and Nāgas gathered as well, drawn by the promise of a great and wondrous event. The world seemed to pause, rendered motionless as Rāma held the supreme bow. Jāmadagnya, his own power diminished by Rāma’s radiant presence, gazed at Rāma with joy. Deprived of his vigor, he spoke gently to Rāma, whose eyes shone like lotus petals. He recalled a vow from long ago: “I gave the earth to Kāśyapa, and he instructed me not to dwell within my own domain. Therefore, obeying my teacher’s command, I do not dwell on earth at night; from that time, O descendant of Kakutstha, I have kept Kāśyapa’s word.” With humility, Paraśurāma requested, “O hero, do not destroy this path of mine, O Rāghava; I will go, swift as thought, to Mahendra, the greatest of mountains.” He acknowledged his own conquests, “O Rāma, the worlds, unrivaled, have been conquered by me through asceticism; strike them with your foremost arrow, so that the time of destruction does not arrive.” He revealed his understanding of Rāma’s divinity: “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.” Paraśurāma noted the gathered hosts of gods, all watching Rāma, whose deeds are unmatched and who has no equal in battle. He assured Rāma, “Nor should this, O descendant of Kakutstha, be a cause of shame for me—that I have been turned away by you, the lord of the three worlds.” He urged Rāma, “O Rāma, you of firm vows, you should release the peerless arrow; after you release the arrow, I will go to Mahendra, the greatest of mountains.” When Paraśurāma had finished speaking, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, glorious and steadfast, released the supreme arrow. The worlds won by Paraśurāma’s asceticism were struck down by Rāma’s power, and Paraśurāma swiftly departed for Mahendra, the greatest of mountains. With the departure of Paraśurāma, clarity returned to all directions and the intermediate quarters. The gods and sages praised Rāma, the wielder of the mighty bow. Rāma, son of Daśaratha, was honored by Paraśurāma, son of Jamadagni; after circumambulating Rāma, Paraśurāma departed along his own path. Thus concludes the seventy-seventh sarga. After Paraśurāma’s departure, Rāma, tranquil-minded and renowned, placed the supreme bow into the hands of the immeasurable Varuṇa. He then bowed respectfully to the sages led by Vasiṣṭha before approaching his father, King Daśaratha, who was distressed. Rāma, the delight of the Raghu line, spoke reassuringly: “Jāmadagnya Rāma has gone; let the fourfold army now proceed towards Ayodhyā, protected by you as its lord.” Hearing these words, King Daśaratha embraced his son Rāghava with both arms and kissed his head. The king was overjoyed at Paraśurāma’s departure, feeling as if he and his son had been born anew. He ordered the army to advance and swiftly returned to the city, which was beautiful with banners and flags, resounding with the sounds of drums and musical instruments. The royal road was sprinkled and adorned with heaps of flowers, and the townspeople, bearing auspicious offerings, greeted the king at the city entrance. Entering the city, filled and adorned with crowds of people, Daśaratha was welcomed from afar by citizens, Brāhmins, and city dwellers. Accompanied by his sons and glorious companions, the illustrious king entered his beloved palace, splendid 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. The royal women, engaged in welcoming the brides, received Sītā, greatly fortunate, and the illustrious Urmilā. Both daughters of Kuśadhvaja, adorned with auspicious words and offerings and clad in fine garments, were lovingly welcomed. All quickly worshipped the shrines of the gods, and the royal sons paid respects to those worthy of honor. The women, joyful, delighted in private with their husbands, having accomplished marriage, skilled in arms, and possessing wealth and friends. The best of men, attentive to their father, served him faithfully. After some time, King Daśaratha addressed his son Bharata, son of Kaikeyī and delight of the Raghu line: “This is the son of the king of Kekaya, residing here, dear son. Your heroic maternal uncle Yudhājit has come to take you.” Hearing this, Bharata, accompanied by Shatrughna, prepared to depart, taking leave of his father and Rāma, the doer of untroubled deeds. Along with Shatrughna, the best among men went to his mothers, and Yudhājit, upon finding Bharata and Shatrughna, was greatly delighted. Bharata, the hero, entered his own city, pleasing his father. With Bharata departed, Rāma and the mighty Lakṣmaṇa remained, continuing their noble journey in Ayodhyā.