Sarga 66: Sita's Story & Shiva's Bow
Sita Itihas
Sita's origin and the legend of the divine bow of Shiva.
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तत: प्रभाते विमले कृतकर्मा नराधिप:। विश्वामित्रं महात्मानं आजुहाव सराघवम्
Meaning
The day dawned bright and clear when the king (Janaka) performed his daily routine rites and welcomed the great Viswamitra with the two Raghavas (Rama and Lakshmana).
तमर्चयित्वा धर्मात्मा शास्त्रदृष्टेन कर्मणा। राघवौ च महात्मानौ तदा वाक्यमुवाच ह
Meaning
The virtuous Janaka paid respects to Viswamitra and the highsouled Rama and Lakshmana in accordance with the sastras and spoke:
भगवन् स्वागतं तेऽस्तु किं करोमि तवानघ। भवानाज्ञापयतु मामाज्ञाप्यो भवता ह्यहम्
Meaning
"Welcome, O Exalted One, what service can I render unto thee? Command me in any way you wish. I am at thy disposal."
एवमुक्तस्स धर्मात्मा जनकेन महात्मना। प्रत्युवाच मुनिर्वीरं वाक्यं वाक्यविशारद:
Meaning
To this, the righteous and great Janaka, the eloquent sage replied to the mighty Viswamitra.
पुत्रौ दशरथस्येमौ क्षत्रियौ लोकविश्रुतौ। द्रष्टुकामौ धनु श्श्रेष्ठं यदेतत्वयि तिष्ठति
Meaning
These are the two sons of Dasaratha, illustrious kshatriyas known throughout the world. They desire to see the great bow which stands in thy house.
एतद्दर्शय भद्रं ते कृतकामौ नृपात्मजौ। दर्शनादस्य धनुषो यथेष्टं प्रतियास्यत:
Meaning
Pray show the bow to these sons of the king, who desire to behold it. After looking at this bow, let them go their way as they wish.
एवमुक्तस्तु जनक: प्रत्युवाच महामुनिम्। श्रूयतामस्य धनुषो यदर्थमिह तिष्ठति
Meaning
Thus addressed, Janaka replied to the great sage: "Hear the purpose for which this bow is in my house.
देवरात इति ख्यातो निमे: ज्येष्ठो महीपति:। न्यासोऽयं तस्य भगवन् हस्ते दत्तो महात्मना
Meaning
This divine instrument belonged to Lord Siva and was received by our ancestors in the olden days. In accordance with tradition, we have carefully preserved it.
दक्षयज्ञवधे पूर्वं धनुरायम्य वीर्यवान्। रुद्र: तु त्रिदशान् रोषात् स लीलम् इदम् अब्रवीत्
Meaning
In olden times the gods brought this wonderful bow to our kingdom. In this manner, O Sage, has it come and been preserved by our ancestors.
यस्माद् भागार्थिनो भागान् नाकल्पयत मे सुरा:। वराङ्गानि महार्हाणि धनुषा शातयामि व:
Meaning
O great Rishi, these sons of Raghu have first heard of this bow from you. Now let them see this celestial weapon which has come to our house.