Hearing his words, Lakshmana got up impulsively to seek Vishwamitra’s and Rama’s permission in order to string the bow. Rama calmed his brother down. Vishwamitra spoke, “Arise, Rama. You can end King Janaka’s anxiety by stringing the bow.” Rama arose, and bowing to Vishwamitra and Janaka, he went to the bow. He lifted it as easily as if it were a flower garland and in stringing it, it broke with a thunderous sound that echoed all around. Parashurama, the son of Sage Bhrigu, heard the sound and came in a fury to find out who had broken the bow of Shiva. He carried a similar bow on his shoulder and his great axe in one hand. He asked King Janaka to present to him the person who had broken Shiva’s bow or he would destroy all who were there in the assembly hall.
The Bow Breaks
