According to the Valmiki Ramayana, King Janak of Mithila possessed a wondrous bow. It had belonged to Lord Shiva himself and was known as Pinaka. It was so heavy that even hundreds of men together could not so much as move it.
King Janak had a daughter named Sita. When Sita was still a little girl, she had once been playing and had easily slid aside the great chest in which the bow was kept. King Janak was astonished. He resolved then and there — whoever can lift this bow shall have Sita's hand in marriage.
A swayamvar (a ceremony where the bride chooses her groom) was announced. Kings and princes arrived from distant lands. The bravest warriors of the age filled the grand hall. The city of Mithila was full of festivity.
Maharshi Vishwamitra had brought the brothers Ram and Lakshman with him to Mithila. The two were young men then. Ram's eyes were calm, his movements unhurried.
One by one, king after king approached the bow. Not one could even touch it properly. Some tried, turned red in the face, and walked back to their seats.
Then Maharshi Vishwamitra gave Ram his blessing. Ram rose quietly. He bowed in his heart to his teacher, his parents, and the task before him. He walked to the bow and lifted it — as easily as picking up a familiar object.
Ram then tried to string the bow. He drew the string taut. And with one great sound, the bow snapped in two. The crack echoed through the hall and the whole assembly trembled.
King Janak's eyes filled with tears. He rose and came to Ram. He declared — Sita would be wed to Ram. Conch shells rang out across the city. Flowers rained down from the skies.
Maharshi Vishwamitra smiled. Lakshman's face shone with pride. And Sita's eyes were at peace — as though she had known all along how this moment would end.