As the wondrous event unfolded, celestial beings from every realm gathered to witness its marvel. Gandharvas and Apsarases, Siddhas, Cāraṇas, Kinnaras, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, and Nāgas all assembled, drawn by the grandeur of the moment. The entire world seemed to hold its breath, motionless, as Rāma stood holding the supreme bow. In that stillness, Jāmadagnya—Rāma of the axe—found himself powerless, gazing at Rāma with joy and awe. Overwhelmed by Rāma’s radiance, Jāmadagnya’s vigor faded; rendered inert, he gently addressed Rāma, whose eyes shone like lotus petals. He recalled, “Long ago, I gave the earth to Kāśyapa. My teacher, Kāśyapa, instructed me not to dwell within my own domain.” Obeying that command, Jāmadagnya explained, he had not stayed on earth at night since, faithfully keeping Kāśyapa’s word. He pleaded with Rāma, “O hero, do not destroy this path of mine, O Rāghava. I will go, swift as thought, to Mahendra, the greatest of mountains.” Jāmadagnya spoke of his own ascetic conquest of the worlds, requesting Rāma to strike them with his foremost arrow—lest the time of destruction arrive. He acknowledged Rāma’s true nature: “I know you to be the undying slayer of Madhu, the lord of gods. By your touch of this bow, may all be well with you, O scorcher of foes.” Jāmadagnya noted the assembled hosts of gods, all watching Rāma, whose deeds were unmatched, whose valor in battle had no equal. He assured Rāma that being bested by him—the lord of the three worlds—was no cause for shame. He urged, “O Rāma, you of firm vows, release the peerless arrow. After you release it, I will depart for Mahendra, the greatest of mountains.” When mighty Jāmadagnya had spoken thus, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, glorious and steadfast, released the supreme arrow. Jāmadagnya saw his own worlds, won through asceticism, struck down by Rāma’s power. Without delay, he departed for Mahendra, the greatest of mountains. With Jāmadagnya gone, all directions and quarters became clear once more. The gods and hosts of sages, witnessing Rāma’s might, praised him—the wielder of the mighty bow. Rāma, son of Daśaratha, was honored by Rāma, son of Jamadagni; after circumambulating him reverently, the lord of ascetic power departed on his own path. Thus concludes the seventy-seventh sarga. After Jāmadagnya departed, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, tranquil-minded and renowned, placed the bow into the hands of the immeasurable Varuṇa. Bowing to the sages led by Vasiṣṭha, Rāma then approached his father, who was distressed, and spoke gently to him, the delight of the Raghu line: “Jāmadagnya Rāma has gone. Let the fourfold army proceed toward Ayodhyā, protected by you as its lord.” Hearing Rāma’s words, King Daśaratha embraced his son Rāghava with both arms and kissed his head. The king was overjoyed at Jāmadagnya’s departure, feeling as if he and his son had been born anew. He ordered the army to advance, swiftly returning to the city, which was beautiful with banners and flags, resounding with drums and musical instruments. The royal road was sprinkled and adorned with heaps of flowers. Townspeople, bearing auspicious offerings, greeted the king at the city’s entrance. Entering the city, filled and adorned with crowds of people, Daśaratha was welcomed from afar by citizens, Brahmins, and city dwellers. Accompanied by his sons and glorious companions, the illustrious king entered his beloved palace, splendid as Mount Himavat. Inside, 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 brides, as were the other royal women, they received Sītā, greatly fortunate, and the illustrious Urmilā. The royal women took both daughters of Kuśadhvaja, adorned with auspicious words and offerings, clothed in fine garments. 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, possessing wealth and friends. The best of men, attentive to their father, served him faithfully. After some time, King Daśaratha spoke to his son Bharata, son of Kaikeyī: “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, took leave of his father and Rama, the doer of untroubled deeds, and set out to depart. Along with Shatrughna, Bharata went to his mothers. Yudhājit, upon finding Bharata and Shatrughna, was greatly delighted. The hero entered his own city, and his father was pleased. With Bharata departed, Rama and the mighty Lakshmana remained. At that time, they honored their father, who was like a god. Placing their father’s command foremost, they carried out all the duties of the citizens. Rama performed all that was pleasing and beneficial; having fulfilled the duties toward his mothers, he acted with utmost restraint. He attended to the duties owed to his teachers at the proper times. Thus, Dasharatha was pleased, as were the Brahmins and townsfolk. Because of Rama’s character and conduct, all the inhabitants of the realm were delighted. Rama, steadfast in truth and valor, became renowned among them.