The beauty of King Janaka's adopted daughter, Sita, was famous throughout all India, and it so happened that a great party of suitors for Sita's hand was taking place at that time. King Janaka would only give his daughter in marriage to the man who could string a great golden bow, and prince after prince stepped forward to attempt this task only to fail.
Rama came forward and took the bow, resting one end against his foot he pulled back the bowstring. Just as Rama strung the bow a sound like a crack of lightning echoed throughout the city of Mithila and the bow broke into two in his mighty hands. Sita was to be Rama's wife, everyone rejoiced.