O venerable sage Visvamitra, as you have decreed, the sacred bow shall be revealed to the worthy sons of Dasaratha. I believe that Rama is destined to wield this divine weapon, meeting the test of strength and virtue to win Sita’s hand in marriage. At the king’s command, his chosen warriors set forth to bring the revered bow to the holy ground of the yajna. With swift precision, a disciplined force of five thousand strong men moved, devoting their strength and care to fulfill their sovereign’s orders. The people of Mithila gathered in great numbers, chanting the holy name of Lord Shiva in a resonant chorus, and the air rang with “Om Namah Shivaya,” enveloping the place with a sacred vibration.
As the warriors carried the bow, an atmosphere of peace and strength spread, lifting the spirits of all present, while divine beings watched with keen interest as the events unfolded. King Janaka then proclaimed, “Only one who can lift, string, or even bend this bow shall prove worthy of Sita’s hand. No gods, Yakshas, demons, or kings have managed even to shift it.” In the presence of noble guests and scholars, he declared this decree, awaiting the destined hero.
Visvamitra turned to Rama, urging him to accept the challenge. Rama, humble and reverent, circumambulated the divine bow three times, folding his hands in prayer to Lord Shiva. “O revered sage,” he said, “I will honor this sacred relic of King Janaka. Should Mahadev grant me strength, I shall string it.” With Visvamitra’s nod, Rama approached the bow, lifted it effortlessly, and prepared to string it. Yet, as he drew the bow to its full curve, it shattered in his hands with a sound like thunder, sending vibrations rippling across the realms. Celestial beings showered him with flowers and songs, moved by his feat, and the air was filled with music and wonder.
In awe, King Janaka declared, “My daughter Sita shall be given to Rama, the son of the sage-king Dasaratha,” and turned to Visvamitra for guidance on the next steps. As per Visvamitra’s counsel, Janaka selected esteemed scholars, furnished them with carriages and attendants, and sent them to Ayodhya with this message:
“By the grace of Sage Visvamitra, your noble son Rama has accomplished an unmatched feat. King Janaka, pleased and in honor of this, seeks your permission to offer his daughter, Sita, to Rama in marriage. Rama and Lakshmana remain under the sage’s protection. Your presence is earnestly awaited in Mithila, O Dasaratha.”
Dasaratha, receiving the messengers with deep respect, said, “Your visit brings honor to Ayodhya. I thank you and your king on behalf of our council and people. Rest, and tomorrow we shall depart for Mithila.”
The king then ordered his treasury officials to prepare a suitable tribute, instructing them to carry wealth, gold, and jewels fitting the stature of King Janaka. Led by a protective force, they would journey first, followed by sages—Vasishta, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kashyapa, and Markandeya—chanting sacred hymns, along with the council of ministers. Relatives and honored guests would follow, while the defense units would maintain vigilance as their primary duty.
When the appointed day dawned, Ayodhya was filled with the joyous sights of scholars, dancers, and musicians bidding farewell to the royal procession. With hearts lifted by a sacred cause, they embarked on a journey that would open the path to peace, virtue, and the principles of dharma for future generations.
After four days of travel, they arrived at Mithila, where King Janaka greeted them with grandeur. In his welcome speech, he said, “O sage-king Dasaratha, you have elevated Mithila by gracing it with your presence. Your entourage has brought joy to our people, and your wisdom and grace shine like Brahma’s light. In this holy bond, you honor our lineage and grant our family a place in the eternal.”
Dasaratha and his party were escorted to their accommodations, where they rested before the final rituals of the yajna, to be held at dawn. That night, Rama and Lakshmana met with their father, recounting their journey with Sage Visvamitra and the breaking of the divine bow. As darkness spread, anticipation filled the air for the auspicious ceremonies yet to unfold.
