As the tension between the two mighty Rāmas reached its peak, the ascetic Jāmadagnya Rāma addressed Rāghava with humility and candor. “O hero, Rāghava, do not destroy the path I have chosen,” he implored. “Permit me to go, swift as thought, to Mahendra, the greatest of mountains.” He continued, “O Rāma, I have conquered the unrivaled worlds through my asceticism. Now, let your foremost arrow strike them, so that the time of destruction may not arrive prematurely.” With reverence, he acknowledged Rāma’s divine nature: “I know you to be the undying slayer of Madhu, the lord of the gods. By your mere touch upon this bow, may all be well with you, O scorcher of foes.” Jāmadagnya Rāma gestured to the celestial assembly, “All these hosts of gods have gathered and are watching you, whose deeds have no equal, who stands unmatched in battle.” He assured Rāghava, “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.” With a steady heart, he urged, “O Rāma of firm vows, you should release the peerless arrow. After you do so, I will depart for Mahendra, the greatest of mountains.” When Jāmadagnya had spoken thus, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, radiant and steadfast, released the supreme arrow. At once, Jāmadagnya saw his own hard-won worlds, gained through penance, struck down by Rāma’s might. Without delay, he departed swiftly to Mahendra, the greatest of mountains. In that moment, the skies and all the quarters became clear, and the gods, along with the hosts of sages, praised Rāma, the wielder of the mighty bow. Rāma, son of Daśaratha, was honored by the departing Rāma, son of Jamadagni; after reverently circumambulating him, the lordly ascetic set forth on his own path. With the departure of Jāmadagnya Rāma, the seventy-seventh sarga of the tale begins. Rāma, son of Daśaratha and famed for his tranquil mind, returned the great bow to the immeasurable Varuṇa. Then, after bowing to the sages led by Vasiṣṭha, Rāma saw his father in distress and addressed him, bringing comfort to the king of the Raghu line: “Jāmadagnya Rāma has gone. Let the fourfold army now proceed toward Ayodhyā, protected by you as its lord.” Hearing these words, King Daśaratha joyfully embraced his beloved son Rāghava and kissed his head. The king, overjoyed by Rāma’s safe return, felt as though both he and his son had been born anew. He ordered the army to advance, and swiftly they made their way to the city, which was adorned with banners and flags and resounded with the music of drums and instruments. The royal road was sprinkled and beautiful, strewn with heaps of flowers, and the townspeople greeted the king at the entrance with auspicious offerings in hand. Entering the city, which was filled and adorned with crowds of citizens, Brahmins, and city dwellers, the illustrious king, accompanied by his sons and glorious companions, entered his splendid palace, radiant like Mount Himavat. Within the palace, the king rejoiced with his people, his heart full as every desire was fulfilled. Kausalyā, Sumitrā, and the fair-waisted Kaikeyī also rejoiced. The royal women, busy welcoming the new brides, received Sītā, greatly fortunate, and the illustrious Urmilā with affection and honor. They also welcomed the two daughters of Kuśadhvaja, adorning them with auspicious words, offerings, and fine garments. All the royal women quickly worshipped the shrines of the gods, and at that time, the royal sons paid respects to those worthy of honor. Joyful, the women delighted in private with their husbands, each couple skilled in arms and blessed with wealth and friends, their marriages accomplished. The best of men, attentive to their father, served him faithfully. After some time, King Daśaratha addressed his son Bharata, the delight of the Raghu line: “Your heroic maternal uncle Yudhājit, son of the king of Kekaya, has come to take you, dear son.” Hearing this, Bharata, accompanied by Shatrughna, prepared to depart, taking leave of his father and Rāma, the doer of untroubled deeds. Together, Bharata and Shatrughna went to their mothers, and Yudhājit, upon finding them, was greatly delighted. The hero entered his own city, pleasing his father, while Rāma and the mighty Lakṣmaṇa remained in Ayodhyā. At that time, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa honored their father, who was revered as a god, and they carried out all the duties of the citizens, placing their father’s command foremost. Rāma performed all that was pleasing and beneficial, fulfilling his duties toward his mothers with utmost restraint. He attended to his teachers at the proper times, and thus, Daśaratha, the Brahmins, and the townsfolk were all pleased. Because of Rāma’s noble character and conduct, all the inhabitants of the realm were delighted, and Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor, became renowned among them. He shone as the most virtuous among beings, like the self-born creator himself, and together with Sītā, he enjoyed many seasons of happiness. Rāma was thoughtful, his mind fixed upon Sītā, and she held a cherished place in his heart. Sītā, dear to Rāma and chosen by his father, grew ever more beloved because of her virtues and beauty, and her affection for her husband doubled in her heart. Between them, even what was hidden became revealed, as heart spoke to heart—especially for Rāma, Sītā, the Maithili, daughter of Janaka, radiant as fortune itself and equal to the gods in form. United with his noble princess, the son of the royal sage, filled with desire and joy, shone greatly—Rāma, radiant with fortune, like Viṣṇu, lord of immortals, in his bliss.