Sita Swayamvar

SITA SWAYAMVAR OR THE MARRIAGE OF SITA: Janaka who discovered Sita while ploughing a field and fostered her as his daughter declared that any prince who could string the bow of Shiva would be given Sita in marriage. The bow of Shiva was bestowed by Lord Shiva upon Devarata, a forebear of Janaka.

Upon the completion of the forest sojourn with Vishwamitra, Rama and Lakshmana were taken to Mithila where Janaka declares that if Rama was able to string the bow of Shiva, he would give Sita in marriage to him. The bow, which was placed in a wooden chest mounted on eight wheels was brought out and Rama not only strung the mighty bow but also broke it! The bow broke with a great noise stunning all those who witnessed the incident. Sita was given thereafter in marriage to Rama.

This print from the Ravi Varma Press and derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma captures the moment of the breaking of the bow. Janaka and all the members of the family are astonished and shocked to hear the sound of the breaking of the bow. It is pertinent to mention that Raja Ravi Varma depicts the age of Sita accurately for at the time of her marriage for she was merely six years old!