Sita's Swayamvara Begins

The three finally reached the palace of Mithila, where they were warmly welcomed by Emperor Janaka. Janaka was also known as Videha because, during deep meditation, he could transcend the needs of his body. The emperor bowed respectfully to Sage Vishwamitra and inquired who the two handsome princes accompanying him were. The sage introduced them as Rama and Lakshmana, sons of Emperor Dasharatha, who 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 marry Sita. Emperor Janaka then arranged for Sage Vishwamitra and the two princes to spend the night in a mansion surrounded by a beautiful garden.

The next day, Sage Vishwamitra, Rama, and Lakshmana arrived at the swayamvara hall, which was packed with princes hoping to win Sita's hand. In the middle of the room was a platform on which lay a massive bow. Several mighty princes attempted to lift the bow, but it wouldn't budge. Even the mighty demon kings Ravana and Banasura were unsuccessful. 

Janaka grew worried and lamented, "It seems the earth is without a hero. It looks like my daughter Sita will remain unmarried. I would never have taken such a pledge if I had known that the Earth was heroless. Is there anyone else present here who is capable of lifting and stringing this bow?"