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Rama wins Sita's hand
 All arrangements for Janaka's Yaga had been completed and many rishis and Braahmanas had come to Mithila from various kingdoms. Viswamitra and the princes were duly welcomed. Janaka's preceptor, Sataananda was the first to pay honour to Viswamitra, Janaka followed him.
The King said to the sage, "I am indeed blessed that you should attend my Yaga." Pointing to Rama and Lakshmana, Janaka asked Viswamitra, "Who are these god-like youths who resemble a Lion and an Elephant in their walk, aTiger and a Bull in their gait, and their eyes are spread out like Lotus petals, carry their weapons with the proud ease of seasoned warriors, and are the cynosure of all eyes here? Who are they who have honoured me with their presence and who is the father of such sons?"
Viswamitra told the king that they were the sons of King Dasaratha. He narrated how they had protected his own Yaga and destroyed the Rakshashas. "They have come here", the sage went on, "to see, if they may break the great bow in your palace." Janaka understood the meaning of Viswamitra's words and rejoiced. The King said,
"Once when I was ploughing the field, I found a girl child. I brought her up as my own daughter. I decided that she should wed only a tough young man and announced that whoever breaks the bow of Shiva shall wed her. Many princes came and went back, unable to even move it. I shall indeed be happy if this prince succeeds where so many have failed and I am thereby enabled to give Sita to him."
 Janaka then ordered his men to bring the
bow which was kept safe and sacred in an iron box. It was brought in an eight-wheeled carriage and dragged like a temple chariot during a festival. After obtaining permission from Viswamitra, Rama stepped out and all eyes were fixed on him in wishful expectation.
Rama lifted the bow effortlessly, as if it was a garland of flowers. He bent and strung it and drew the string back with such irresistible force that the mighty bow snapped with a crash like a clap of thunder. And there fell from heaven a shower of flowers.
Janaka proclaimed, "My beloved daughter shall be wedded to this Prince." Then he sent a group of ministers to Ayodhya to convey the news to Dasaratha and invite him for the wedding.
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