Seeta and Shiva Dhanush

As Princess Seeta came to marriageable age Raja Janak announced that Seeta would be married to such a Prince who would be able to lift the Shiva Dhanush which was a treasure that belonged to Raja Janak's family.

All of us know this story. But, how many of us know the reason behind such a competition announced by the king. When Raja Janak found Seeta from the earth, he didn't know whose baby it was, and asked his soldiers to find out the parentage. In the meanwhile, he and his wife Sunaina brought the baby home and were actually happy and were praying in the heart of their hearts that the baby's parentage should not be found as they were childless. The soldiers came and announced the baby's parents were not be found. At the same moment Sage Yagyavalkya came and advised the king to adopt the baby girl as his own and it was a Mahaprasad from Goddess Earth.

Raja Janak and Rani Sunaina adopted the baby and the king took the baby to Shiva Dhanush to get the blessings of Lord Shiva and the baby could lift the Dhanush which even trained and strong soldiers couldn't.

As Princess Seeta grew up it was decided by the king that the Prince who lifted the Dhanush can marry Seeta. Many Prince across the country came to lift, but no one could move it. The king was really worried and was deep in thoughts, when one day he heard a voice. It was none other Bhoomadevi- Goddess Earth's. She announced the king that Seeta was her own daughter and she was holding the Shiva Dhanush tight as it was predestined about the marriage of Seeta. She also told that she will leave the Dhanush only when the predestined Prince would come and lift it. She told the king not to worry as the Prince was already on his way to lift the Dhanush.

Thus, Lord Ram came and lifted the Dhanush and Bhoomadevi knowing him to be the rightful choice helped him lift the bow.