Sita and the Bow of Lord Shiva

1. While King Janaka prepared a sacred field, he found a radiant baby girl within the earth. He and Queen Sunayana named her Sita and raised her with devotion.
2. Sita became gentle, wise and brave, bringing happiness to everyone. Janaka prayed for a husband worthy of her divine qualities.
3. Janaka kept the enormous bow of Lord Shiva in a special hall. He promised Sita's hand to the prince who could lift and string it.
4. Strong rulers came from distant lands, but none could move the bow. Pride faded when they stood before its weight.
5. Vishvamitra brought Rama and Lakshmana to Janaka's sacrifice. The people of Mithila felt joy when they saw the two princes.
6. From the palace balcony Sita saw Rama and quietly prayed to the Lord. Rama looked up, and both recognized a deep eternal bond.
7. With Vishvamitra's permission, Rama placed His hand upon Shiva's bow. The crowded hall became completely silent.
8. Rama lifted and bent the bow as easily as an elephant bends a sugarcane stalk. It broke with a sound like thunder, and everyone cried out in wonder.
9. Sita placed a flower garland around Rama's neck. Janaka's eyes filled with happy tears.
10. Swift messengers told Dasharatha that Rama had won Sita's hand. The king travelled to Mithila with Bharata, Shatrughna and the royal family.
11. Rama married Sita, Lakshmana married Urmila, Bharata married Mandavi and Shatrughna married Shrutakirti. The two royal families celebrated together.
12. The wedding party left Mithila with music, gifts and blessings. Sita travelled beside Rama toward her new home.
13. The warrior sage Parashurama blocked the road and challenged Rama with another divine bow. The earth trembled beneath his steps.
14. Rama calmly strung the bow and showed that Parashurama's mission was complete. The sage understood the Lord's identity and bowed.
15. Ayodhya welcomed Sita and the four couples with lamps and flowers. A peaceful season of family happiness began.

Authoritative sources

• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.10
• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.11