The Breaking of Shiv's Bow: Ram's Triumph at Seeta's Swayamvar

Emperor Janak then arranged for Rishi Vishvamitra to stay in a mansion surrounded by a beautiful garden. The next day, the rishi, along with Ram and Lakshman, arrived at the place where the swayamvar was to take place. When the rishi expressed his curiosity about the bow, King Janak instructed his servants to bring it forth. The bow was kept in a large box with eight iron wheels, and this was where the participants would attempt to lift it during the swayamvar.

Many kings and princes from all over Bharat had arrived at the swayamvar hoping to marry Seeta. Several strong kings attempted to lift the bow, but it didn't budge. Even the demon kings Ravan and Banasur were unable to lift the bow. Many other mighty kings tried but were unsuccessful, leaving King Janak disappointed, thinking his daughter Seeta would remain unmarried.

Feeling dejected, Emperor Janak expressed, "It seems the Earth is without a hero. It looks like my daughter Seeta will remain unmarried. I would never have taken such a pledge if I had known that the Earth was heroless."

Hearing this, everyone was silent, but Lakshman couldn't control his anger. He said to Ram, "Emperor Janak's words are insulting. If you allow me, I will lift the Earth like a ball and break it into pieces like a mud pot. How difficult is it for us to break an old bow? I can take this bow and run a minimum of eight hundred yojanas."

Everyone feared Lakshman's words, and the earth began to shake. Seeta, however, was overjoyed. Ram soothed Lakshman and instructed him to sit down.

"Ram, lift Lord Shiv's bow and allay King Janak's fears," commanded Rishi Vishvamitra.

Upon hearing his guru's command, Ram got up and touched his guru's feet. He was calm and composed as he picked up the bow like a flower garland and applied so much force to the bowstring that it broke in half, making a fierce sound that shook the ground like an earthquake.