| This loveliness was Seeta in its
entirety. Kamban would have it that Seeta's beauty threw into the shade Lakshmi herself who came up with Nectar as the Ocean of Milk was
being churned. This child of divine beauty was brought up by King Janaka and his dear
queen.
When Seeta reached the age of marriage
Janaka was sad that he would have to part with her. Though he tried hard, he was for long
unable to choose a prince worthy of Seeta. Many kings came to Mithila, seeking Seeta's
hand, but in Janaka's view none of them was good enough. The King anxiously thought over
the matter and came to a decision. Long ago, pleased with a yaaga performed by
Janaka, Varma, presented to him Rudra's bow and two quivers. That was an ancient heavenly
bow, which no ordinary man could even move. |
