Sita's Swayamvara Begins

The three finally reached the palace of Mithila, where they were warmly welcomed by King Janaka. King Janaka was also known as Videha because, during deep meditation, he could transcend the needs of his body. The king bowed respectfully to Sage Vishwamitra and inquired who the two handsome young princes accompanying him were. The sage happily informed him that they were Rama and Lakshmana, the sons of King Dasharatha, and had come to participate in Sita's swayamvara. 

Emperor Janaka narrated to Sage Vishwamitra the story of how he adopted Sita. He described how he once undertook a yagya, during which he personally began plowing the land. While doing so, he heard a child's cry. Upon investigating, he discovered a beautiful baby girl lying in the adjacent bushes. He gently picked her up and presented her to his wife. The childless couple regarded the baby as a gift from Mother Earth. They named her Sita and raised her with great affection. 

Janaka then told Vishwamitra that one of his ancestors had received Lord Shiva's Pinaka bow as a gift. This bow was immensely heavy, and so, Janaka decided that only one who could lift it would win Sita's hand in marriage. Emperor Janaka then arranged for Sage Vishwamitra and the two princes to stay in a mansion surrounded by a beautiful garden.

The next day, the sage, along with Rama and Lakshmana, arrived at the place where the swayamvara was to take place. When the sage expressed his curiosity about the bow, King Janaka instructed his servants to bring it forth. The bow was kept in a large box with eight iron wheels, and this was where the participants would attempt to lift it during the swayamvara.

Many kings and princes from all over Bharat had arrived at the swayamvara hoping to marry Sita. Several strong kings attempted to lift the bow, but it didn't budge. Even the demon kings Ravana and Banasura were unable to lift the bow. Many other mighty kings tried but were unsuccessful, leaving King Janaka disappointed, thinking his daughter Sita would remain unmarried.