Overwhelmed by fierce anger, hostile kings once besieged the city of Mithilā, subjecting it to great distress. For a full year, the city endured their onslaught, and in time, all its resources were exhausted. In deep anguish, I, Janaka, sought relief. Turning to intense austerities, I propitiated all the hosts of gods, seeking their favor and intervention. The gods, delighted by my devotion, responded graciously. They granted me a mighty army composed of all four divisions. With this divine aid, the besieging kings were defeated—many slain, and the rest fled in all directions, their power broken. Those who remained, powerless and their strength uncertain, along with their ministers—evildoers all—were vanquished. O best of sages, it was in those days that I came to possess this supremely radiant bow. Now, steadfast sage, I shall show this bow to Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. If Rāma is able to string this bow, O sage, I will gladly give my daughter Sītā—born in a wondrous way, not from a mother’s womb—to the son of Daśaratha. Now, listen, for I will recount what followed. Hearing my words, the great sage Viśvāmitra said to me, “King Janaka, show the bow to Rāma.” At once, I commanded my ministers, “Bring forth the divine bow, adorned with fragrant garlands.” Obeying my command, the ministers entered the city. With great effort, they brought out the mighty chest containing the bow, emerging together in their strength. It took five hundred strong men, straining as one, to move the massive, eight-wheeled chest. Lifting the well-crafted iron container, the ministers approached me and spoke, “O king, here is the excellent bow, honored by all kings. Behold it, O lord of Mithilā, if you so desire.” Hearing their words, I bowed with joined palms to Viśvāmitra and addressed him, as well as Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. “O Brāhmaṇa, this excellent bow has long been revered by the Janakas and by mighty kings, yet none have been able to string it. Not even the hosts of gods, asuras, rākṣasas, nor the foremost among gandharvas, yakṣas, kinnaras, or great serpents have succeeded. What hope, then, is there for men to lift, bend, or string this bow?” “Yet, here it is, O foremost sage. Please, show this bow to these two princes.” Viśvāmitra, hearing my words, turned to Rāma and said, “My child, Rāma, behold the bow.” At the sage’s command, Rāma approached the chest, opened it, and gazed upon the divine weapon. He spoke, “I will touch this excellent, divine bow with my hand. I will strive to lift and string it.” I replied, “So be it,” and the sage too gave his blessing. Then, at the sage’s word, Rāma grasped the bow in the middle with effortless ease. Before the eyes of thousands of onlookers, Rāma—the delight of the Raghu line—strung the bow as easily as water flows. Having strung the bow, he drew it fully, and in that moment, the illustrious Rāma broke the bow in two. A tremendous sound burst forth, like the crash of thunder, and the earth itself shook as if a mountain were being split apart. The people, stunned by the deafening sound, fell to the ground—save for the great sage Viśvāmitra, myself, and the two sons of Raghu. When the people recovered from their astonishment, I, my fear dispelled, joined my palms and spoke reverently to the foremost of sages, Viśvāmitra. “Revered one, I have witnessed the strength of Rāma, son of Daśaratha. This is truly marvelous, inconceivable, and beyond all expectation. My daughter Sītā, having gained Rāma as her husband, will bring lasting fame to the house of Janaka. O Kauśika, my vow is now fulfilled: ‘Sītā is to be won by prowess.’ My daughter, dearer than life itself, is to be given to Rāma.” “With your consent, O Brāhmaṇa, let my ministers swiftly depart in fast chariots to Ayodhyā. Let them bring King Daśaratha here with respectful words, and fully inform him of the giving of my daughter, won by prowess. Let them also tell the king about his two sons, protected by the sage, and with affection, bring him here with all speed.” Kauśika Viśvāmitra replied, “So be it.” Then, having received my instructions, my ministers departed at once for Ayodhyā, to report all that had happened and to bring King Daśaratha to Mithilā. Now, hear what transpired next. Those messengers, acting on my command, journeyed swiftly, their vehicles worn from the road. After three days and nights, they entered the splendid city of Ayodhyā. Following the king’s command, they entered the royal palace and beheld the aged King Daśaratha, radiant like a god. With joined palms, free from fear, the messengers addressed the king with respectful and gentle words. “King Janaka of Mithilā, accompanied by his sacred fire, again and again greets you with affection and sweet speech. Together with his priests and teachers, he first inquires about your welfare and enduring prosperity, O great king. Having calmly asked after your well-being, the ruler of Mithilā, Vaideha, with the approval of Kauśika, wishes to speak further with you.” Thus, the messengers conveyed King Janaka’s greetings and intentions, preparing the way for the union of Sītā and Rāma, and the joyous meeting of the two royal houses.