The Breaking of Lord Shiva's Divine Bow (Ramayana Series - 8)

As dawn broke and the serene morning light spread across Mithila, King Janaka, having completed his morning prayers and rituals, extended a respectful invitation to Sage Vishwamitra and the princes Rama and Lakshmana to visit his royal court. Accepting the invitation with grace, Vishwamitra, accompanied by Rama and Lakshmana, arrived at the palace, where King Janaka warmly welcomed them with traditional courtesies and offerings.

With folded hands and humility, King Janaka said, "O venerable sages! I offer you my heartfelt welcome. Please command me what I should do for you. I am ever ready to serve your divine purpose."

Sage Vishwamitra replied, "O King Janaka, these two princes are sons of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. They are valorous Kshatriyas, well-known for their strength and righteous conduct. We request you to kindly show them the great and sacred bow that resides here in Mithila. A mere sight of this divine bow will fulfill the intent of their journey."

Hearing these words, King Janaka respectfully began to narrate the history of the bow:

"O revered ones, listen to the tale of this bow’s origin. One of my ancestors, King Devarata, the sixth in descent from Emperor Nimi, was entrusted with this mighty bow by the gods themselves. During the time of the great Daksha Yajna, Lord Shiva, in wrath, effortlessly lifted this very bow and said to the gods, 'Because you did not offer me my rightful share of the sacrificial offerings, I shall split your heads with this bow!' As Lord Rudra stood enraged, the gods trembled in fear and, with various hymns and praises, pacified him. Pleased, Rudra entrusted the bow to the gods, who in turn gave it to my ancestor Devarata for safekeeping.

Years later, as I was tilling the land for a sacred yajna, my plough unearthed a baby girl. I named her Sita and raised her as my own daughter. Since she was not born of a womb, I resolved that I would give her in marriage only to the one who could lift and string this divine bow of Shiva.

Many kings and princes approached me, seeking Sita’s hand in marriage. I declared to all of them that only one who could lift and string the bow would be worthy. I had the bow brought into my court and invited them to attempt the feat. Not one among them could even lift it. Frustrated by failure and offended by my decision, many of the princes turned hostile. They laid siege to Mithila, and in a war that lasted a year, they destroyed many of our defense resources.

I then turned to penance, seeking the grace of the gods. Pleased with my austerities, they blessed me with a powerful army, with which I drove away the hostile kings. Ever since then, this sacred bow has remained within my palace, untouched. If Rama, the son of Dasharatha, can indeed lift and string this bow, then I shall joyfully give my daughter Sita to him in marriage."

Having heard Janaka’s tale, Sage Vishwamitra smiled and said, "O King, let the bow be brought forth for Rama to behold."

Janaka immediately ordered his ministers, "Bring forth the divine bow of Shiva, adorned with garlands and sacred unguents."

The ministers, assisted by several strong guards, brought the massive chest containing the bow into the royal court. It was so heavy that it required eight wheels and five strong men to move it.

At this moment, Sage Vishwamitra turned to Rama and said, "My child Rama, behold this sacred bow." With folded hands, Rama approached the chest. He opened it and looked upon the bow. With reverence, he said, "O revered ones, I desire to touch this great bow. If permitted, I shall try to lift it, string it, and place an arrow upon it."

Janaka and Vishwamitra both gave their blessings simultaneously: "So be it."

Encouraged by their permission, Rama grasped the bow at its center and, smiling, lifted it effortlessly. In full view of the gathered assembly, he strung the bow with ease. But as he drew the string to attach an arrow, the great bow cracked in half with a thunderous noise that echoed like a bolt of lightning across the land.

The ground trembled. Except for Janaka, Vishwamitra, Rama, and Lakshmana, all others present fell to the ground in shock and awe. Recovering after a moment, they marveled at what had just occurred.

King Janaka, now free from doubt and filled with joy, addressed Vishwamitra with folded hands: "O Sage, I have witnessed the unparalleled prowess of Rama. Truly, he is a hero beyond compare. I had never imagined such strength. My daughter Sita shall choose him as her husband and bring glory to the solar race. O Sage, with your permission, I shall immediately send messengers to Ayodhya to inform King Dasharatha of these events and invite him to Mithila for the wedding."

With a gentle smile, Sage Vishwamitra replied, "So be it".

Thus was the divine match between Rama and Sita sealed with strength, virtue, and destiny.