Sita Swayamvar

Princess Sita was the beautiful and virtuous daughter of King Janaka of Mithila. King Janaka possessed a mighty bow of Lord Shiva called Pinaka. He declared that whoever could lift this enormous bow and string it would win Sita's hand in marriage. Princes and kings arrived from distant lands for the swayamvar ceremony. One by one, each warrior tried to lift the divine bow, but none could even move it an inch. Even powerful kings like Ravana failed in their attempt. Disappointment filled the grand hall. Then young Rama arrived with his brother Lakshmana, guided by the sage Vishwamitra. The sage asked Rama to try lifting the bow. Rama respectfully bowed before the sacred weapon and lifted it with graceful ease. As he bent the bow to string it, the force was so tremendous that the bow snapped in two. The thunderous sound echoed across all three worlds. Sita joyfully placed the victory garland around Rama's neck, choosing him as her husband. Thus the divine marriage of Rama and Sita was celebrated, and the entire city of Mithila rejoiced with great festivity and happiness.