When Rāma, son of Daśaratha, had concluded his encounter with the formidable Jāmadagnya Rāma, he, tranquil-minded and renowned, respectfully returned the mighty bow to the hands of the immeasurable Varuṇa. Bowing to the revered sages led by Vasiṣṭha, Rāma then approached his father, King Daśaratha, who was troubled in heart. With gentle words, Rāma, beloved of the Raghu line, reassured him, saying, “Jāmadagnya Rāma has departed; now let the fourfold army proceed towards Ayodhyā, under your protection as its sovereign.” Hearing these words, King Daśaratha, his heart overflowing with relief, embraced his beloved son Rāghava with both arms and kissed his head. The king felt as if both he and his son had been born anew, his delight unbounded at the resolution of the ordeal. At once, Daśaratha commanded the army to advance, and swiftly they all made their way toward Ayodhyā. The city was adorned with banners and flags, alive with the joyous sounds of drums and musical instruments. The royal road was freshly sprinkled and beautifully strewn with heaps of flowers; the townspeople, bearing auspicious offerings, greeted the king at the city’s entrance. Entering the city, Daśaratha found it resplendent with crowds of citizens, Brahmins, and city dwellers who welcomed him from afar. Accompanied by his sons and glorious companions, the illustrious king entered his beloved palace, which shone with the splendor of Mount Himavat. Within, Daśaratha rejoiced with his people, his every desire fulfilled. Kausalyā, Sumitrā, and the fair-waisted Kaikeyī rejoiced as well, their hearts light with happiness. The royal women busied themselves with welcoming the new brides. They received Sītā, greatly fortunate, and the illustrious Urmilā with honor and affection. The daughters of Kuśadhvaja, adorned in fine garments and bearing auspicious offerings, were joyfully welcomed into the royal household. Together, the women worshipped at the shrines of the gods, and the royal sons paid their respects to all those worthy of honor. The palace was filled with joy as the women delighted in the company of their husbands, their marriages accomplished. The princes, skilled in arms and surrounded by wealth and friends, attended dutifully to their father, honoring him above all. After some time, King Daśaratha spoke to his son Bharata, the delight of the Raghu line and son of Kaikeyī: “Your heroic maternal uncle, Yudhājit, the son of the king of Kekaya, has come to see you, dear son.” Hearing this, Bharata, accompanied by his devoted brother Shatrughna, took leave of his father and Rāma, the doer of untroubled deeds, and went to his mothers. Yudhājit, upon finding Bharata and Shatrughna, was filled with great joy. Bharata and Shatrughna journeyed to their uncle’s city, where their father was pleased to receive them. With their departure, Rāma and the mighty Lakṣmaṇa remained in Ayodhyā, ever attentive and dutiful to their father, whom they revered as a god. Placing his commands above all, they carried out the duties of the citizens, ensuring order and prosperity. Rāma performed all that was pleasing and beneficial, fulfilling his duties toward his mothers with utmost restraint and care. He attended to his teachers at the proper times, earning the pleasure of Daśaratha, the Brahmins, and all the townsfolk. Because of Rāma’s noble character and conduct, the entire realm rejoiced in him. Steadfast in truth and valor, Rāma’s reputation spread far and wide. Among all beings, Rāma stood out as the most virtuous, like the self-born creator himself. Together with Sītā, he enjoyed many seasons of happiness. His mind was ever thoughtful, fixed upon her, and Sītā, dear to Rāma and chosen as his wife by his father, was always in his heart. Their affection grew ever stronger, nourished by her virtues and beauty, and Rāma held a place in her heart greater than any other. Between them, nothing was hidden; their hearts spoke openly and lovingly to one another. For Rāma, Sītā—the Maithili, daughter of Janaka—was radiant like fortune herself, equal to the gods in beauty. United with her, the royal sage’s son shone with joy, resplendent as Viṣṇu himself, lord of immortals, radiant in fortune. Meanwhile, Bharata stayed in his uncle’s city with Shatrughna, honored and cherished by his maternal uncle, the lord of horses, with the affection of a father. The two brothers lived there, freely gratified. Yet, their hearts often turned with longing to the aged King Daśaratha in Ayodhyā. The mighty king, too, remembered his absent sons, Bharata and Shatrughna, who were as noble as Indra and Varuṇa. All four of his sons were dear to him, like four arms springing from his very being. Among them, Rāma, radiant in splendor, was his father’s delight and the most virtuous, resembling the self-born creator among all beings. For, at the request of the gods who sought the destruction of Rāvaṇa, the eternal Viṣṇu himself had taken birth among men as Rāma. Kausalyā, blessed among women, shone with her son of immeasurable brilliance, just as Aditi shone with Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt. Rāma was endowed with beauty, strength, and modesty, his virtues unmatched on earth, and he was a son worthy of Daśaratha. He was always calm in mind, gentle in speech, and even when faced with harsh words, he responded only with kindness. Thus, peace and joy reigned in Ayodhyā, with Rāma at its heart, beloved by all and ever steadfast in righteousness.