Janaka then ordered his men to bring the bow which was kept safe and sacred in an
iron box. It was brought on an eight-wheeled carriage and dragged like a temple chariot
during a festival.
"Here," said Janaka, "is
Rudra's bow worshipped by me and my ancestors. Let Rama see this bow."
After obtaining permission from Viswaamitra
and the King, Rama stepped out to the iron bow-case, while all eyes were fixed on him in
wishful expectation. Opening the box, he lifted the bow effortlessly, as if it were a
garland of flowers, and resting one end of it against his toe, 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. |