Sita Katha – Chapter 3: Ram's Arrival, The Contest

Rama's Arrival, The Contest

After the wondrous childhood pastimes of Sita, preparations for the Swayamvara were in full swing in the city of Mithila. King Janak had set a difficult vow for his daughter's marriage, which had invited princes and heroes from far and wide to Janakpur. This vow was to lift the divine bow of Lord Shiva, which Parashurama had entrusted to King Janak's ancestors.

A Auspicious Arrival in Janakpur

As the sun bathed Janakpur with its golden rays, Rama and Lakshmana, accompanied by Muni Vishwamitra, entered Janakpur from Ayodhya. Rama's serene and radiant countenance attracted everyone. The unwavering devotion and service of Lakshmana towards him also captivated all. The people of Janakpur were astonished by the beauty and radiance of the two princes. Everyone was speculating whether these princes would be able to lift the Shiva Dhanush.

Muni Vishwamitra informed King Janak about the arrival of Rama and Lakshmana. King Janak respectfully welcomed Muni Vishwamitra and the two princes. "O great sage, your arrival is a matter of great fortune for us. I am blessed to have met these radiant princes," said King Janak. Rama replied humbly, "We are grateful for your hospitality, O King. We have come here to participate in your yajna and to have your darshan."

The Display of the Shiva Dhanush

The Swayamvara assembly was crowded. Princes and kings from various kingdoms were all eager to display their strength and valor. First, several powerful princes attempted to lift the Shiva Dhanush, but they failed. Some lost their strength upon attempting and fainted. The Shiva Dhanush, adorned with gold and jewels, did not budge from its place, as if bound by an invincible force. King Janak was disheartened. His disappointed voice echoed in the assembly, "Is there no hero who can lift this bow? Will Sita remain without a groom?"

Sita, who was seated with her companions on a high pavilion, felt a wondrous attraction towards Rama in her heart. She believed that Rama alone was capable of breaking the bow. Sita prayed to Lord Shiva in her heart, "O Bholenath, protect my honor and make Rama victorious. Accept my devotion and give him strength." Her prayer was filled with immense faith and belief, which blessed Rama. There was a divine aura in Sita's eyes, as if she knew that Rama was the hero who could accomplish this impossible task.

Rama Breaks the Bow

Upon receiving the command of Muni Vishwamitra, Rama rose and walked towards the Shiva Dhanush. He bowed to the bow and lifted it with great ease. Silence fell upon the assembly. No one could believe that a teenage prince could so easily lift the bow that even great heroes could not move. Then, in the blink of an eye, Rama strung the bow. As he pulled the string, the bow broke into two pieces with a fearsome roar! The sound of the bow breaking was so loud that the entire assembly trembled.

Tears of joy welled up in Sita's eyes. Her prayer had been answered. Rama had broken the Shiva Dhanush, and she knew that her marriage to Rama was now certain. A sea of love and devotion for Rama surged in Sita's heart. The gods showered flowers from the sky, and an atmosphere of joy and celebration filled Janakpur. King Janak's happiness knew no bounds. He announced that Sita would marry Rama.