Glory, glory, all glory to the Banner of Raghu’s race!’ so saying Bhrigunatha (Parashurama) withdrew to the forest to do penance. The wicked kings – the cowards – were all seized with imaginary fears (born of Parashurama’s discomfiture and their own consciousness that they had not given Rama the honour he deserved, for which they might be punished) and they slunk away and fled in all directions.

The gods sounded their kettledrums and rained down flowers upon the Lord; and all the people of Janakpura rejoiced, relieved of the pain caused by their ignorance.

There was a tumultuous clash of musical instruments and a display of all things beautiful and auspicious. Bands of fair-faced, bright-eyed women sang melodious songs in chorus, their voice resembling the notes of the cuckoo.

Janaka’s joy was beyond description, as that of a born beggar who has found a treasure. Sita, relieved of her fear, was as glad as a young partridge at the rising of the moon.

Janaka did obeisance to Vishvamitra and said, ‘It is due to your grace, my lord, that Rama has broken the bow. The two brothers have gained me my purpose; pray tell me now, holy master, what I should do.’

‘Listen, wise king,’ said the sage, ‘the marriage depended on the bow, and took effect directly the bow broke, as is well-known to all, including gods and men and Negas.

Still, go and perform according to the family usage whatever rites the Vedas prescribe, after consulting the Brahmans, the elders of your house, and the guru(Shatananda).