After a long and arduous journey of asceticism, Viśvāmitra, his heart set on the highest goal, prayed: “Let the sacred syllable Oṃ, the Vaṣaṭ call, and the Vedas themselves choose me. May I become foremost among those who know the Kṣatra Veda, and even among those who know the Brahma Veda.” He yearned for recognition, asking that Vasiṣṭha, the son of Brahmā, proclaim this truth before the assembly of gods. “If this supreme wish is granted,” he declared, “let the best of the gods depart, their purpose fulfilled.” Pleased by the gods, the illustrious Vasiṣṭha—foremost among reciters and a Brahmarṣi himself—approached Viśvāmitra with friendship and said, “So be it. You are indeed a Brahmarṣi, without doubt; all is accomplished for you.” With these words, the gathered gods departed as they had come, their task complete. Now Viśvāmitra, righteous and great-souled, having attained the highest state of Brāhmaṇahood, honored Vasiṣṭha, the foremost of sages. His desire fulfilled, Viśvāmitra wandered the earth, steadfast in asceticism, embodying the very essence of tapas. Thus, O Rāma, did the great-souled Viśvāmitra attain the highest Brāhmaṇahood. This, O best of sages, is Rāma—the embodiment of asceticism, the ever-constant highest righteousness, the supreme refuge of valor. Having thus recounted the tale, the illustrious sage Śatānanda fell silent. Hearing these words in the presence of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, King Janaka, with joined palms, addressed Viśvāmitra, the son of Kuśika: “Blessed am I, greatly favored, O foremost of sages, by whose presence I am graced.” “O Kauśika, you have come to my sacrifice accompanied by the descendant of Kakutstha. By your very sight, O great sage, I am purified. Many and various virtues have come to me through seeing you, and your great austerity has been extolled in detail.” “I have heard, O illustrious one, from Rāma the great-souled and from the assembly, and within my own hall, of your many virtues. Your asceticism is immeasurable, your strength is immeasurable, and your virtues are indeed immeasurable, O son of Kuśika. My satisfaction with these wondrous tales knows no end, O lord; but, O best of sages, the time for duties draws near as the sun approaches its circle.” “Tomorrow at dawn, O illustrious one, please see me again; O best of those who recite, you are always welcome—please grant me leave.” Thus addressed, the eminent sage praised the best of men and swiftly dismissed Janaka, who departed pleased and content. The lord of Mithilā, Vaideha Janaka, having spoken with the best of sages, circumambulated him with his teachers and relatives, in reverence. Then Viśvāmitra, righteous-souled, together with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, returned to his own abode, honored by all the great-souled ones. The next morning, at dawn, when the day was pure, King Janaka, having performed his duties, summoned the great-souled Viśvāmitra, along with the Raghavas. Having honored them according to the rites prescribed by scripture, the righteous king addressed the sons of Raghu with great respect. “Revered sir, welcome to you! What shall I do for you, O faultless one? Please command me, for I am at your service,” he said. Viśvāmitra, skilled in speech and righteousness, replied, “These two are the sons of Daśaratha, renowned kṣatriyas. They wish to see the excellent bow that is with you.” “Show this, blessings to you, to the princes whose wishes are fulfilled. After seeing this bow, they may depart as they desire.” Janaka replied to the sage, “Let it be known for what reason this bow is here. Long ago, Devarata, eldest son of Nimi and our ancestor, received this bow as a sacred trust. At the destruction of Daksha’s sacrifice, the mighty Lord, in anger, strung this bow and threatened the gods, declaring, ‘Because you gods, seeking your share, did not allot me my portion, I will destroy your precious and divine limbs with this bow.’” “All the gods, distressed, sought to appease the Lord of the gods, and Bhava became pleased with them. Pleased with their supplication, he gave them this jewel of a bow, which was then entrusted to our ancestor, the illustrious king.” “As I was ploughing the field, she arose from the furrow. While I was clearing the earth, I found her—she who became famed as Sītā. Born of no womb, she grew as my own daughter, and I established her as the prize for prowess.” “Kings from all lands came seeking her hand; all the rulers of the earth desired to win my daughter. But I declared, ‘O revered ones, I do not give my daughter except for prowess as the bride-price.’ Thus, all the kings, wishing to prove their strength, assembled in Mithilā, and for them, the bow of Shiva was brought forth.” “Yet none could even grasp the bow, nor lift it from its place. Seeing their strength lacking, the kings were rejected. In great anger and doubt about their own prowess, they besieged Mithilā, feeling themselves insulted.” Thus Janaka recounted the history of the sacred bow and the challenge that awaited any who would seek the hand of Sītā.