O Rāma, said Jāmadagnya Rāma, through my intense asceticism I have conquered the worlds, unrivaled by any. Now, strike them with your foremost arrow, so that the time of destruction does not arrive untimely. I know you truly, O Rāma, to be the undying slayer of Madhu, the lord of the gods himself. By your mere touch upon this bow, may all be well with you, O scorcher of foes. Behold—all these assembled hosts of gods are watching you, whose deeds are unmatched, who has no equal in battle. And let it not 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. Therefore, O Rāma of firm vows, you should release the peerless arrow; after you do so, I will go to Mahendra, the greatest of mountains. When the mighty Jāmadagnya had spoken thus, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, glorious and steadfast, released the supreme arrow. In that moment, Jāmadagnya saw his own worlds, won by asceticism, struck down by Rāma’s power. He swiftly departed for Mahendra, the greatest of mountains. Then, all the directions and intermediate quarters became clear and bright. The gods and hosts of sages, witnessing Rāma’s valor and might, praised him—the wielder of the mighty bow. Rāma, son of Daśaratha, was honored by Jāmadagnya Rāma; and after reverently circumambulating him, the lordly sage departed on his own path. Now, listen as the next chapter unfolds. When Rāma had departed, the tranquil-minded Rāma, son of Daśaratha, renowned throughout the worlds, placed the bow into the hands of the immeasurable Varuṇa, lord of waters. Then, bowing respectfully to the sages led by Vasiṣṭha, Rāma saw his father, the delight of the Raghu line, who appeared troubled, and spoke to him gently: “Jāmadagnya Rāma has gone; let the fourfold army now proceed toward Ayodhyā, under your protection as its lord.” Hearing these words, King Daśaratha, overcome with joy, embraced his beloved son Rāghava with both arms and kissed his head. The king was delighted and overjoyed at Rāma’s safe return, feeling as though both he and his son had been born anew. He ordered the army to advance, and they swiftly entered the beautiful city of Ayodhyā, adorned with banners and flags, resounding with the joyous noise of drums and musical instruments. The royal road was freshly sprinkled and lovely, strewn with heaps of flowers; the townspeople, bearing auspicious offerings in hand, greeted the king at the city’s entrance. As Daśaratha entered the city, thronged with delighted crowds, he was welcomed from afar by citizens, Brahmins, and city dwellers alike. Accompanied by his sons and glorious companions, the illustrious king entered his splendid palace, radiant as Mount Himavat. There, the king rejoiced with his family, honored and fulfilled in every desire. Kausalyā, Sumitrā, and the fair-waisted Kaikeyī also rejoiced, joining in the celebrations. The royal women, engaged in welcoming the new brides, received Sītā, greatly fortunate, and the illustrious Urmilā, as well as the two daughters of Kuśadhvaja, all adorned with auspicious words, offerings, and clad in fine garments. Together, they quickly worshipped at the shrines of the gods, while the royal sons paid respects to those worthy of honor. In their private chambers, the women delighted with their husbands, their marriages accomplished, all skilled in arms, possessing wealth and friends. The princes, attentive to their father, served him faithfully. After some time, King Daśaratha spoke to his son Bharata, the 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, son of Kaikeyī, prepared to depart, accompanied by Shatrughna. Having taken leave of his father and Rāma, the doer of untroubled deeds, Bharata and Shatrughna went to their mothers. Yudhājit, upon finding them, was greatly delighted. The hero entered his own city, and his father rejoiced. With Bharata departed, Rāma and the mighty Lakṣmaṇa remained in Ayodhyā. At that time, they honored their father, who was like a god to them; placing his wishes foremost, they carried out all the duties of the citizens. 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 was pleased, as were the Brahmins and townsfolk. Because of Rāma’s character and conduct, all the people of the realm were delighted; Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor, became renowned among them. He shone as the most virtuous among all beings, like the self-born creator himself; together with Sītā, he enjoyed many seasons. His thoughts were ever fixed upon her, and she was cherished in his heart; Sītā, dear to Rāma, was his wife, chosen by his father. Because of her virtues and beauty, their affection grew ever stronger, and her husband occupied twice the place in her heart. Even the unspoken was understood, as heart spoke to heart—especially for Sītā, the Maithili, daughter of Janaka, equal to the gods in form, radiant like Lakṣmī herself. With her, the royal sage’s son, full of desire, united with the noble princess. Rāma shone greatly, filled with joy, like Viṣṇu, lord of immortals, radiant with fortune. Thus concludes this part of the story—listen now to the next chapter.