The ministers of King Janaka, their faces bright with anticipation, approached their sovereign bearing a splendid iron chest. Within it rested the famed bow, a relic revered by kings and honored as a treasure among men. With voices filled with awe, they addressed Janaka, saying, “O lord of Mithilā, here is the excellent bow, esteemed by all the monarchs of the earth. Behold it, if you so desire.” Janaka, hearing their words, joined his palms in reverence and turned to the illustrious sage Viśvāmitra, as well as to the two radiant princes, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. With humility, he spoke, “O Brāhmaṇa, this bow has long been venerated by the house of Janaka and by mighty kings of old, yet none could string it in their time. Not even the hosts of gods, nor the asuras, nor the rākṣasas, nor the foremost among gandharvas, yakṣas, kinnaras, or great serpents could bend or lift this bow—how then could any man hope to do so? Nevertheless, O revered sage, since you have brought this best of bows, kindly show it to these two princes.” At Janaka’s request, Viśvāmitra turned to Rāma and said, “My child, Rāma, behold the bow.” Obedient to the sage’s command, Rāma approached the chest, opened it, and gazed upon the magnificent weapon. He spoke with calm resolve, “This divine bow—I will touch it with my hand. I will attempt to lift it and string it as well.” Janaka replied, “So be it,” and Viśvāmitra added his blessing. Then, without effort, Rāma grasped the bow in the middle, as countless onlookers watched in astonishment. With the grace of flowing water, Rāma, the joy of the Raghu line, strung the bow. Then, drawing it fully, that peerless prince, famed and illustrious, broke the bow in two. A thunderous sound burst forth, echoing like a mountain splitting asunder, and the earth itself trembled. The crowd, overwhelmed by the tremendous noise, fell to the ground—only the great sage, King Janaka, and the two sons of Raghu remained steady. When the people regained their senses, Janaka, his fear dispelled, approached Viśvāmitra with joined palms and spoke with deep respect, “O revered one, I have witnessed the unimaginable strength of Rāma, son of Daśaratha. This is truly marvelous, beyond all expectation. My daughter Sītā, having gained Rāma as her husband, will bring great fame 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.” Seeking Viśvāmitra’s consent, Janaka continued, “With your blessing, O Brāhmaṇa, let my ministers swiftly journey to Ayodhyā in fast chariots. Let them invite King Daśaratha with all honor, and fully inform him that his son has won my daughter by his prowess. Let them also tell him of the two sons of Kakutstha, protected by your grace, and urge him with affection to come here at once.” Viśvāmitra replied, “So be it.” Janaka, his heart resolved, instructed his ministers, who set out for Ayodhyā to convey all that had transpired and to bring King Daśaratha to Mithilā. After three days of swift travel, the messengers, their chariots weary, entered the splendid city of Ayodhyā. Following Janaka’s command, they made their way into the royal palace and beheld the aged, noble King Daśaratha, radiant as a god. With hands joined in reverence and voices gentle and free from fear, they addressed the king with respectful words. “O great king,” they began, “King Janaka of Mithilā, accompanied by his priests and teachers, first inquires about your welfare and unchanging prosperity. Having asked after your well-being, the ruler of Mithilā, with the approval of Kauśika, conveys this message: ‘You know of my vow: my daughter would be won by prowess. Many kings came, but, failing, departed in disappointment. Now, by fortune, your sons—who arrived with Viśvāmitra—have fulfilled this challenge. In the midst of a great assembly, mighty-armed Rāma broke the divine bow. Therefore, I must give Sītā, won by prowess, to this high-souled prince. I wish to fulfill my vow—please grant your consent. Come quickly, O king, with your priests and teachers, and witness your sons. You will gain the affection of both Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. Thus, with the approval of Viśvāmitra and in agreement with Śatānanda, these words are spoken to you.’” Hearing this joyful message, King Daśaratha was filled with delight. He turned to Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and his ministers, saying, “Protected by the son of Kuśika, Rāma, the joy of Kausalyā, and his brother Lakṣmaṇa are staying among the Videhas. Having witnessed Rāma’s prowess, the noble Janaka wishes to give his daughter to Rāghava.” Thus, preparations began for the joyous union of Sītā and Rāma, fulfilling Janaka’s vow and bringing happiness to both royal houses.