In the court of King Janaka, a magnificent bow stood at the center of attention, its presence awe-inspiring and daunting. The assembled men, gazing at its formidable size and divine aura, wondered aloud, “How could anyone possibly string this bow, fit it with a string, bend, or even lift it?” Such was its reputation that even the bravest doubted their strength. Yet Janaka, the noble king of Mithilā, addressed the foremost sage Viśvāmitra with confidence: “This best of bows has been brought, O blessed one. Show it to these two princes.” At Janaka’s request, Viśvāmitra turned to Rāma, the young prince of Ayodhyā, and said, “My child, Rāma, behold the bow.” Obedient to the sage’s command, Rāma approached the chest wherein the bow was kept. He opened it, gazed upon the divine weapon, and spoke with resolve, “This excellent, divine bow I will touch with my hand; I will strive to lift and string it as well.” Janaka replied, “So be it,” and Viśvāmitra gave his blessing. Rāma, with effortless ease, took hold of the bow at its middle, as the sage had instructed. Thousands of onlookers watched as Rāma, the delight of the Raghu dynasty and a soul of righteousness, strung the bow as easily as one pours water. Once strung, he drew the bow fully, and—renowned and illustrious as he was—broke it in the middle. The bow’s breaking resounded like thunder, shaking the earth violently, as though a mountain had been split. The people, stunned by the tremendous sound, fell to the ground in shock, save for Viśvāmitra, Janaka, and the two sons of Raghu, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. When the assembly recovered from their astonishment, Janaka, his fear gone, approached Viśvāmitra with joined palms and spoke: “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 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, shall be given to Rāma.” With humility and reverence, Janaka requested the sage’s consent: “Let my ministers swiftly go, O Kauśika, blessings upon you, to Ayodhyā in fast chariots. Let them bring King Daśaratha to my city with respectful words, and fully inform him of the giving of my daughter, won by prowess. Let them also tell the king about the two sons of Kakutstha, protected by the sage, and with affection, bring him here with all speed.” Viśvāmitra, known as Kauśika, replied, “So be it.” The righteous king Janaka then instructed his ministers and sent them to Ayodhyā, so they might report all that had happened and bring King Daśaratha accordingly. Now begins the sixty-eighth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa. Janaka’s messengers, their chariots weary from travel, spent three nights on the road before entering the 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 hands and respectful, sweet words, the messengers addressed Daśaratha: “King Janaka of Mithilā, accompanied by his sacred fire, again and again sends you affectionate greetings. Together with his priests and teachers, he first inquires about your welfare and unchanging prosperity, O great king. Having asked after your well-being, the ruler of Mithilā, Vaideha, with the approval of Kauśika, spoke these words: ‘You know of my earlier vow: my daughter would be won by prowess. The kings, having failed and grown resentful, have been turned away, their strength found lacking. This daughter of mine, O king, has, by chance, been won by your sons, who came here accompanied by Viśvāmitra and others. That precious, divine bow was broken in the midst of a great assembly by mighty-armed Rāma, the high-souled one. Therefore, I must give Sītā, won by prowess, to this great-souled one; I wish to fulfill my vow—please grant your consent. O great king, together with your priests and teachers, come quickly and safely; you ought to see the two sons of Raghu. O king of kings, you should fulfill my vow; you will gain the affection of both your sons.’ Thus, the lord of Videha, with the approval of Viśvāmitra and in agreement with Śatānanda, spoke these sweet words.” Hearing this message, King Daśaratha was exceedingly delighted. He spoke to Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and his ministers: “Protected by the son of Kuśika, Rāma, the joy of Kausalyā, together with his brother Lakṣmaṇa, is staying among the Videhas. Having witnessed Rāma’s prowess, the high-souled Janaka wishes to give his daughter to Rāghava. If the conduct of the noble Janaka pleases you, let us go swiftly to his city, so that no time is lost.” The ministers and all the great sages replied, “Certainly.” The pleased king then told his ministers, “We shall depart tomorrow.” That night, the king’s ministers, honored greatly, spent their time in joy, endowed with every virtue. Now begins the sixty-ninth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa. When the night had passed, King Daśaratha, joyful and surrounded by his teachers and relatives, spoke to Sumantra, preparing for the journey that would unite the houses of Ayodhyā and Mithilā, and fulfill Janaka’s sacred vow.