Jāmadagnya, fierce in resolve, stood before Rāma and declared, “O Rāma, either I will destroy this path of yours or I will strike down the worlds themselves—those unrivaled realms I have conquered through ascetic power. This is my firm vow.” He spoke with the weight of one who knew the potency of his own might, but also the significance of the moment. He continued, “This divine arrow of Viṣṇu, O subduer of enemy cities, never falls in vain. By its very power, it humbles the arrogance of strength.” As these words echoed, the atmosphere grew tense, for all the gods, led by the Grandsire Brahmā and accompanied by hosts of sages, had assembled to witness the meeting of these two mighty souls—Rāma, bearer of the supreme weapon, and Jāmadagnya, the ascetic-warrior. Not only the gods, but Gandharvas, Apsarases, Siddhas, Cāraṇas, Kinnaras, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, and Nāgas too gathered, eager to witness this wondrous event. The world itself seemed to hold its breath, rendered motionless as Rāma stood with the supreme bow in hand. Jāmadagnya, his own power diminished by the radiance of Rāma, gazed at him—not with anger, but with joy. Humbled and gentle, Jāmadagnya spoke, “Long ago, I gave this earth to Kāśyapa, and he instructed me not to dwell within my own domain. Obeying my teacher’s command, I do not stay on earth at night, O descendant of Kakutstha, and I have always kept Kāśyapa’s word.” He pleaded, “O hero, do not destroy this path of mine, O Rāghava. I will go, swift as thought, to Mahendra, the greatest of mountains. The worlds I have conquered by asceticism—strike them with your arrow, so that the time of destruction does not come. I know you are 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.” He acknowledged the presence of the assembled gods, saying, “All these hosts of gods are watching you, whose deeds are unmatched and who has no equal in battle. Nor should it be a cause of shame for me, O descendant of Kakutstha, that I have been turned away by you, the lord of the three worlds. O Rāma, you of firm vows, release your peerless arrow; after you do so, I will depart to Mahendra, the greatest of mountains.” When Jāmadagnya had spoken thus, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, glorious and steadfast, released the supreme arrow. The arrow struck down the worlds Jāmadagnya had won through his penances, and seeing this, Jāmadagnya swiftly departed for Mahendra mountain. With his departure, the world felt released—the directions and quarters became clear once more. The gods and sages praised Rāma, wielder of the mighty bow. Rāma, son of Daśaratha, was honored by Jāmadagnya, who respectfully circumambulated him before departing on his own path. Thus ended that great encounter. When Rāma of Daśaratha’s line saw Jāmadagnya depart, he, tranquil-minded and renowned, placed the supreme bow into the hands of the immeasurable Varuṇa. Then, bowing to the sages led by Vasiṣṭha, Rāma turned to his father, who was still in distress, and spoke gently to him, delight of the Raghu line. “Jāmadagnya Rāma has gone,” he assured his father. “Let the fourfold army now proceed toward Ayodhyā, under your protection, O king.” Hearing his son’s words, King Daśaratha embraced Rāma with both arms and kissed his head. Overjoyed at the departure of Jāmadagnya, the king felt as if both he and his son had been born anew. He quickly ordered the army to advance, and together they entered the grand city—beautiful with banners and flags, resounding with drums and music. The royal road was freshly sprinkled and decorated with heaps of flowers; the townspeople, carrying auspicious offerings, greeted the king at the city’s entrance. The king entered Ayodhyā, which was filled and adorned with crowds of citizens, Brahmins, and city dwellers, all welcoming him from afar. Accompanied by his sons and glorious companions, Daśaratha entered his splendid palace, radiant as Mount Himavat. Within the palace, the king rejoiced with his people, honored and with every desire fulfilled. Kausalyā, Sumitrā, and fair-waisted Kaikeyī also rejoiced, welcoming the brides into the royal household. They received Sītā and the illustrious Urmilā, as well as the two daughters of Kuśadhvaja, all adorned in fine garments and auspiciously blessed. The royal women quickly worshipped the shrines of the gods, while the sons of Daśaratha paid their respects to those worthy of honor. Joyful, the women delighted in private with their husbands, their marriages now accomplished. The princes, skilled in arms and surrounded by wealth and friends, were attentive to their father, serving him with devotion. After some time, King Daśaratha spoke to Bharata, son of Kaikeyī, saying, “Here is the son of the king of Kekaya, your heroic maternal uncle Yudhājit, who has come to take you.” Upon hearing this, Bharata, accompanied by Shatrughna, prepared to depart, taking leave of his father and Rāma. Together, Bharata and Shatrughna went to their mothers, and Yudhājit, delighted to find them, led them to his own city, where their father was pleased by their arrival. With Bharata and Shatrughna departed, Rāma and the mighty Lakṣmaṇa remained in Ayodhyā. At that time, they honored their father as one would honor a god, placing his commands foremost and carrying out all the duties of the citizens, upholding the glory of the Raghu line.