Ram Lifts Shiva's Bow and the Four Weddings

When Shatananda finished Vishvamitra's history, the sage told King Janaka why the princes had come. Ram and Lakshman wished to see the ancient bow kept in Mithila.

Janaka explained that the bow was associated with Shiva and had been preserved by his family for generations. He also told them about Sita. While preparing the earth during a royal rite, Janaka had found an infant in a furrow. He and Queen Sunaina raised her as their daughter, and her name remembered that furrow.

As Sita grew, Janaka resolved that he would accept as her husband only a person able to lift and string the bow. Many rulers had tried and failed. Some responded to rejection by besieging Mithila until Janaka's allies drove them away. The history made clear that a public condition could bring danger as well as admiration.

Janaka ordered the bow brought out. It rested in a great chest moved by many attendants. Ram did not boast. With Vishvamitra's permission, he approached, lifted the bow, and began to string it.

The bow broke with a sound like thunder.

People throughout the hall were astonished. Janaka declared that Ram had fulfilled the condition. Vishvamitra agreed that the news must first be carried to Dasharatha. A marriage would join families and kingdoms; it could not be completed as though only one test mattered.