Rama Breaks Shiva's Bow

The swayamvar of Sita is a pivotal moment in the Ramayana when young Prince Rama proves his divine nature. King Janaka of Mithila had set an impossible condition for his daughter's marriage: the suitor must string the divine bow of Lord Shiva called Pinaka. Hundreds of mighty kings and warriors tried and failed. Rama not only lifted the enormous bow but broke it while stringing it, demonstrating that he was no ordinary prince but an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

King Janaka's Challenge

Rama and Lakshmana Arrive

The Bow Breaks

The Divine Marriage