Rama Lakshman Janaki in Exile no-watermark
1.3. SITA’S SWAYAMVARA
Vishwamitra, Rama and Lakshmana reached Mithila in time for Sita’s swamyamvar: As per Janaka’s wish, the mighty Siva bow was hauled to the wedding hall. The hall wore a grand look and was filled with many kings and princes. Ravana, the king of Lanka was also present and was confident that he could win Sita’s hand easily. For, Janaka had announced that to win Sita’s hand in marriage, any king or prince had to lift the bow and string it. Many tried, but failed. Even Ravana fell down while trying to lift the bow and had hurriedly disappeared from the hall out of shame.
Vishwamitra turned towards Rama and told him gently “Son I am sure you are keen to examine the bow. Why don’t you lift it and see how heavy it is?” King Janaka was quite doubtful whether a young person like Rama would be able to achieve where the others had failed. But he felt very impressed by Rama’s noble looks and hence allowed Rama to contest. Rama bowed before Vishwamitra to seek his blessings and walked up to the mighty Siva bow. He lifted it up effortlessly and stringed it. The entire hall echoed with the sound of bow being stringed. Except 6 for Rama, Lakshmana and Vishwamitra, everybody else turned pale. Ram, a lifted the entire bow like a toy and broke it into two.
King Janaka was extremely happy that Rama, the eldest prince of Ayodhya was to wed his daughter Sita. On Vishwamitra advice, Janaka sent messengers to Ayodhya to convey this happy news to Dasharatha. Rama, Lakshmana and Rishi Vishwamitra are now in Mithila after successfully completing yagna. Sri Rama has gained the hand of my daughter Sita in marriage by lifting the Siva bow. I am therefore inviting you and your family to come to Mithila and accept Sita as your daughter-in-law” was the message sent by Janaka. King Dasharatha was delighted to hear this news and reached Mithila along with his wives, his ministers, Sage Vashishta and others to take part in the wedding. While Rama wed Sita, Uremia was married to Lakshmana and Janaka’s nieces Mondovi and Shruakirthi to Bharata and Shatrugna. These weddings were performed on a very grand scale. Dasharatha donated cows in the name of each of his sons and not to be outdone; Kling Janaka made cash presents to all the Brahmins. A grand feast had been arranged for all the citizens.
The newly wed couples were blessed by one and all. Sita was a devout wife who always stood by her husband. The extremely beautiful Sita made an ideal couple. The day after wedding, Vishwamitra returned to his Ashram (hermitage). Dasahratha with his sons and daughters-in-law, along with his entourage left for Ayodhya. Half-way through their journey, a severe storm broke out. The entire atmosphere was filled with dust and was enveloped in darkness.
At that time, a Rishi by name Parushurama appeared before them. His face was full of rage. He also had an enormous bow with him. His awesome appearance proclaimed that he was no ordinary rishi. He was the mighty Parushurama who had conquered several Kshatriyas and had voyaged round the earth twenty-one times. Parushurama went straight to Rama, and said in a sarcastic voice “Rama, I heard that breaking the Siva bow was a very easy for you. I have a bigger and mightier bow. Let us see whether you can string it”. Dasahratha who was watching Parushurama, came running to him and prayed to him “Parushurama, please calm down. My children have not done any harm to you. Bless them. Spare Rama”.
Parushurama ignored Dasharatha’s plea. He taunted Rama again and again. Smiling gently at this, Rama picked up the bow very easily and fixed the arrow to it. He then asked Parushurama “Sir, you are a Brahmin and it would be improper for me to use the arrow on you. Hence please tell me, at what do I aim the arrow at”. Parushurama was stunned with Ramas’s mastery over the weapon. He could not even say anything. He gazed at Rama. It dawned upon him that Rama was no ordinary person. He bowed his head and said”Rama, I am no match for you. Hence this mighty bow belongs to you”. He then departed for the Himalayas to continue his penance. King Dasharatha felt relieved; he then continued his journey towards Ayodhya. At Ayodhya, a grand reception awaited the newlyweds, for many days, this happy event was celebrated with pomp and pageantry. Dasharatha was very happy that his sons, especially Rama, were loved so much by the citizens of Ayodhya.