As the assembly gathered in Mithilā, the king was addressed with honor: “O king, here stands the excellent bow, revered by all rulers. O lord of Mithilā, if you wish, behold it for yourself.” Hearing these words, King Janaka, his hands joined in reverence, turned to the great sage Viśvāmitra and to the two princes, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. “O Brāhmaṇa,” Janaka said, “this magnificent bow has long been honored by the Janaka lineage and by powerful 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 string, bend, or even lift this bow?” With humility, he continued, “This best of bows has been brought forth, O foremost sage. Please, blessed one, show it to these two princes.” At Janaka’s words, Viśvāmitra turned to Rāma and said, “My child, Rāma, behold the bow.” At the sage’s command, Rāma approached the chest where the bow was kept. He opened it, gazed upon the divine weapon, and spoke, “This excellent, celestial bow—I shall touch it with my hand. I will strive to lift and string it as well.” Janaka agreed, “So be it,” and Viśvāmitra also gave his blessing. Without hesitation, Rāma, at the sage’s word, grasped the bow in the middle. As thousands looked on, Rāma, the joy of the Raghu line, strung the bow with effortless grace, as easily as one lets water flow. Then, having strung it, he drew the bow fully—and in that moment, the mighty bow broke in two. A thunderous sound erupted, like the crash of a mountain splitting apart, and the earth itself trembled. All those present, stunned by the deafening blast, fell to the ground—save only the great sage, the king, and the two sons of Raghu. When the people recovered from their awe, King Janaka, his fear dispelled, spoke with joined palms to the illustrious sage Viśvāmitra. “Revered one, I have witnessed the strength of Rāma, son of Daśaratha. This marvel is truly beyond all expectation. My daughter Sītā, by gaining Rāma as her husband, will bring great glory to the house of Janaka. O Kauśika, my vow is fulfilled: ‘Sītā is to be won by prowess.’ My beloved daughter shall be given to Rāma.” With humility, Janaka sought the sage’s approval: “With your consent, O Brāhmaṇa, let my ministers go swiftly in fast chariots to Ayodhyā. Let them respectfully invite King Daśaratha to my city and fully inform him of my daughter’s giving, won by valor. Let them tell the king of the two sons of Kakutstha, protected by the sage, and with affection, bring him here at once.” Viśvāmitra replied, “So be it.” The righteous king then instructed his ministers, who set out for Ayodhyā to report all that had transpired and to bring King Daśaratha accordingly. Now begins the sixty-eighth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. The messengers, sent forth by Janaka, journeyed without rest; after three days and nights, they entered the shining city of Ayodhyā. Following their king’s command, they entered the royal palace and beheld the venerable King Daśaratha, radiant as a deity. With joined palms, free of fear, the messengers addressed the king with gentle and respectful words: “The king of Mithilā, Janaka, together with his priests and teachers, first inquires about your welfare and unchanging prosperity, O great king. Having asked after your well-being, the ruler of Mithilā, with Viśvāmitra’s approval, conveys these words to you. “You know of my vow: my daughter would be won by prowess. Many kings have tried, but, failing, have departed in disappointment. By fortune, your sons, accompanied by Viśvāmitra and others, have come and won my daughter. In a great assembly, your mighty-armed son Rāma broke the divine bow. Thus, I must give Sītā, won by valor, to this noble son of yours. I wish to fulfill my vow—please grant your consent. “O great king, come quickly and safely with your priests and teachers, and behold the two sons of Raghu. You will gain the affection of both your sons. Thus, the lord of Videha, with the approval of Viśvāmitra and the agreement of Śatānanda, sends you these sweet words.” Hearing this message, King Daśaratha was overjoyed. He spoke to Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and his ministers: “Protected by the son of Kuśika, Rāma, the delight of Kausalyā, and his brother Lakṣmaṇa are now among the Videhas. Having witnessed Rāma’s prowess, the noble Janaka wishes to give his daughter to Rāghava. If the conduct of Janaka pleases you, let us go swiftly to his city, so that no time is lost.