Sita's Swayamvar and Shiv's Bow

King Janak was a wise and righteous king. Once, while ploughing the ground for a yagya, the tip of his plough uncovered a baby girl in the earth. Janak raised her as his own daughter and named her Sita. That is why Sita is also called ‘Janaki’, Janak's daughter, and ‘Bhumija’, daughter of the earth.

Janak kept Lord Shiv's huge bow, called Pinaka. He had vowed that Sita would marry whoever could string it. According to the Ramcharitmanas, a swayamvar was held, and kings came from far and wide. Before it, Ram and Sita first saw each other in Janak's flower garden, and Sita prayed to Mother Gauri that Ram would be her husband.

On the day of the swayamvar, one great king after another rose to try. None could even move the bow. At last Janak said sadly, ‘It seems the earth has run out of heroes.’ Lakshman grew angry hearing this, but Ram calmed him.

Then Guru Vishwamitra gave the sign: ‘Ram, rise and string the bow.’ Ram bowed to his guru and walked calmly to the bow. He lifted it as easily as one lifts a garland of flowers. As he drew the string, the bow broke in the middle, and its thunder echoed through all three worlds.

Sita stepped forward and placed the jaimala around Ram's neck. Janak sent word to Ayodhya, and King Dashrath arrived with the wedding party. Along with Ram and Sita, Lakshman married Urmila, Bharat married Mandavi, and Shatrughna married Shrutakirti. Mithila and Ayodhya were both filled with boundless joy.