How Lord Rama Broke Shiva’s Bow

This story is about how Lord Rama married Sita Devi. The story begins in Ayodhya when Sage Vishwamitra came to King Dasharatha. He sought help to protect his yaga from demons. The king agreed and sent his sons, Rama and Lakshmana, to help the sage.

The two princes defended his yaga from rakshasas who tried to disturb it. With their skill and valor, they defeated the demons and ensured the yaga’s success. Afterward, the sage took the brothers further into the forest.

On their journey, they encountered a fierce demoness named Tataka. She had been terrorizing the region for years. Vishwamitra asked Rama to defeat her. Following the sage’s command, Rama fought Tataka and killed her. The forest was finally peaceful again.

Later, Lord Rama liberated Ahalya from her curse at Gautama’s ashrama giving her back her form.

After these events, the sage led Rama and Lakshmana to Mithila, the prosperous kingdom ruled by King Janaka. Vishwamitra knew that a divine bow, linked to Lord Shiva, was kept there. This bow would soon play a major role in Lord Rama’s future.

At Mithila, King Janaka warmly welcomed the sage and the two princes. He performed the rituals of hospitality and treated them with great respect. Janaka then asked Vishwamitra how he could serve him.

Vishwamitra said, 'These princes are sons of King Dasharatha. They are known for their bravery and virtue. They wish to see the divine bow kept here in Mithila.'

King Janaka agreed and began explaining the bow’s history. He said, 'This bow once belonged to Lord Shiva. During Daksha’s yaga, Shiva used it to destroy the yaga when he was insulted. Later, the gods prayed to him, and he calmed down. He gave the bow to the gods, who passed it to my ancestor, King Devarata. Since then, it has been kept here as a sacred treasure.'

Janaka then told the story of his daughter Sita. 'Many years ago, during a sacred ploughing ritual, I found a divine baby girl at the tip of my plough. She had risen from the earth itself. I named her Sita. She grew up as my daughter and became a virtuous and beautiful maiden.'

The king continued, 'To find a worthy husband for Sita, I made a vow. Only the one who could string this bow would marry her. Many kings came to Mithila and tried their strength. None could even lift the bow. Disappointed, I rejected their proposals.'

The king described the troubles that followed. 'When the kings failed, they became angry. They surrounded Mithila with their armies and caused suffering to my people. For a whole year, we struggled. I prayed to the gods for help. They blessed me with a divine army. With its help, I defeated the kings and restored peace to my city.'

King Janaka said, 'The bow remains a symbol of divine strength. I will now show it to Rama.' He ordered his ministers to bring the bow from its resting place.

The bow was kept in a large iron chest mounted on eight wheels. It was so heavy that five thousand men were needed to move it. The ministers brought it to the court and placed it before the king.

Janaka turned to Vishwamitra and said, 'This bow has humbled even the strongest beings. Gods, demons, and celestial beings have all failed to lift it.'

Hearing this, Vishwamitra smiled and looked at Rama. He said, 'Rama, step forward and look at this bow.' Encouraged by the sage, Rama approached the chest. He opened it and gazed at the bow, glowing with divine energy.

With steady hands, Rama lifted the bow with ease. The court fell silent in amazement. Rama then began to string the bow, focusing with great precision. But as he drew the string, the bow broke into two with a deafening sound. The noise was so loud that it shook the earth.

The people in the court fainted, overwhelmed by the sound. Only Vishwamitra, Janaka, and the two princes remained unaffected. When the crowd regained their senses, they were filled with awe.

King Janaka was overjoyed. He folded his hands before Rama and said, 'You are unmatched in strength and virtue. Only you are worthy of marrying my daughter, Sita. I will give her hand to you with great happiness.'

The king then turned to Vishwamitra for his approval. The sage smiled and blessed the union. He praised Janaka for his wisdom and foresight.

Without delay, King Janaka instructed his ministers to prepare for the wedding. He also sent messengers to Ayodhya to invite King Dasharatha. The messengers carried gifts and the joyous news of Rama’s triumph. They assured Dasharatha that his sons were safe and happy in Mithila.

The people of Mithila rejoiced. They showered flowers on Rama and sang songs of his glory. Sita, watching from her palace, felt great happiness. She knew that Rama, with his strength and virtue, was her destined husband.

Thus, the union of Rama and Sita was set in motion. Their marriage became a symbol of love, strength, and dharma. This story continues to inspire generations with its timeless lessons.

Lessons -

1. Lord Rama effortlessly lifted and strung Lord Shiva's divine bow, a task that none among gods, demons, or mighty kings could accomplish. This act demonstrated his extraordinary physical and spiritual power.
2. The breaking of the bow fulfilled the divine will and King Janaka’s vow, proving Rama to be the destined husband of Sita Devi, the embodiment of virtue and grace.
3. Rama’s calm and composed demeanor throughout the challenge highlighted his humility and discipline, qualities that elevated him as an ideal leader and protector.

Knowledge Bank

What is the meaning of Thondaradipodi?

Thondaradipodi means dust at the feet of Perumal’s devotees. It stands for the humility and piety of the Azhwar.

Why is Lord Rama blue?

The blue color of Lord Rama represents his gentleness similar to a blue lotus. Ramayana depicts Sri Rama in six different colors representing different aspects of his character.