Rama Breaks the Unbreakable Divine Bow

Witness Rama's divine strength as he strings and breaks an unbreakable bow, winning Sita's hand in marriage and amazing King Janaka. A pivotal moment in the Ramayana unfolds. 

Viswamitra Requests to Show the Bow (1.67.1 - 1.67.3)

After hearing King Janaka's words, the great sage Viswamitra said, "Show the bow to Rama." King Janaka then ordered his attendants to bring the divine bow. It was adorned with fragrant garlands and sandalwood paste.

The king's ministers followed his command:

1. They entered the city.

2. They placed the bow in front of them.

3. They carried it out as the king had ordered.

The Magnificent Bow (1.67.4 - 1.67.6)

The bow was so heavy that it required great effort to move:

• Five thousand strong men struggled to pull the cart.

• The cart had eight wheels.

• The bow was kept in an iron case on the cart.

The royal counselors brought the bow to Janaka. They said, "O supreme ruler, lord of Mithila, here is the excellent bow. All kings have worshipped it. It is ready to be shown as you wished."

Janaka Introduces the Bow (1.67.7 - 1.67.11)

King Janaka, with folded hands, spoke to Viswamitra and the two princes, Rama and Lakshmana. He said:

"O Brahman (Viswamitra), this famous bow has a long history:

• Kings of the Nimi dynasty have worshipped it.

• In ancient times, even mighty kings failed to string it.

• No divine or mythical beings could wield it, including:

  • Gods

  • Demons

  • Rakshasas (mythical beings)

  • Gandharvas (celestial musicians)

  • Yakshas (nature spirits)

  • Kinnaras (celestial beings)

  • Great serpents

How can mortal men hope to:

• Bend this bow?

• String it?

• Fix an arrow to it?

• Pull its string?

• Even lift and weigh it?

O eminent sage, this supreme bow is here. Please show it to these two princes."

Rama Takes Up the Challenge (1.67.12 - 1.67.17)

Viswamitra said to Rama, "O child, look at this bow." Rama then:

1. Opened the casket

2. Looked at the bow

3. Said, "I will touch this excellent bow. I will try to lift and string it."

Both the king and the sage agreed. Rama then:

1. Grasped the bow by its middle

2. Did this effortlessly, surprising thousands of onlookers

3. Strung the bow

4. Drew it with a twang

5. Broke the bow in two at its middle

The Aftermath of Breaking the Bow (1.67.18 - 1.67.20)

When Rama broke the bow:

• It made a tremendous sound, like thunder

• The earth shook, as if a mountain was splitting

• All people fainted, except for:

  • The sage Viswamitra

  • King Janaka

  • Rama and Lakshmana

After people recovered, King Janaka spoke to Viswamitra with folded palms.

Janaka's Decision (1.67.21 - 1.67.26)

Janaka said:

"O revered one, I have seen Rama's strength. It was amazing and unexpected. My daughter Sita will bring glory to our family by marrying Rama.

My vow of 'vīryaśulka' (reward of prowess) has come true. Sita, who I love more than life, should marry Rama.

O Kaushika (Viswamitra), with your permission:

1. My ministers will go quickly to Ayodhya

2. They will respectfully invite King Dasaratha here

3. They will tell him about giving Sita to Rama

4. They will also tell him that you are protecting Rama and Lakshmana

5. Swift messengers will bring the happy king here"

Preparations for Dasaratha's Arrival (1.67.27 - 1.67.28)

Viswamitra agreed. King Janaka then:

1. Consulted his ministers

2. Sent his counselors to Ayodhya

3. Instructed them to tell King Dasaratha everything

4. Asked them to bring King Dasaratha to Mithila

Thus ends the Sixty Seventh sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.