Raja Janak’s Challenge: Lift Lord Shiva’s Bow to Win Sita’s Hand

New Delhi: The festival of Vivah Panchami is that special day in the Hindu calendar when that unique love story of Treta Yuga comes alive again. Celebrated on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Agahan month, this festival is celebrated with great pomp every year as the marriage anniversary of Ram and Sita. This year, this auspicious time will come on 25 November 2025.  

What is the significance of Vivah Panchami?

According to the Ramayana, the marriage of Lord Ram and Mother Sita took place in Mithila (today's Janakpur, Nepal) on the Panchami of Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month (Agahan). This ceremony is still performed in the court of King Janak in the form of a marriage hall near the Janaki temple. On this day, devotees set an example of unbreakable love and married life like the couple of Ram and Sita. It is said in the scriptures that worship on this date brings marital happiness, and it proves to be an auspicious time for a couple eligible for marriage. Every year lakhs of devotees gather at Janakpur, where the Ram-Sita marriage is re-enacted—with Holi of flowers, bhajan-kirtan and distribution of prasad.

Why did Shiva's bow defeat Ravana?

The story of Sita Swayamvara described in Balkand (Canto 66-68) of Valmiki Ramayana is heart-pounding. King Janak set a condition for his daughter Sita, which was impossible for great warriors: she would have to pick up the ancient, heavy bow (Pinaka) of Lord Shiva and string it. This bow was so huge that even a hundred men could not move it. The king kept this condition because in childhood, Sita had picked up the bow with one hand while playing. Janak thought, "My daughter is supernatural, so the groom should also not be ordinary."

Kings and emperors from India and abroad came to the Swayamvar—Kakeya Vihari, King Bhanu of Vidarbha, and even Lankesh Ravana. Ravana came full of pride, but he could not move as soon as he touched the bow. When everyone failed, Lord Ram saw that everyone was trying with force, not with devotion. He first bowed to Shiva, then picked up the bow with humility. The bow broke as soon as it was strung– it was a miracle! Janak garlanded Ram, and the marriage took place. Ravana returned after rubbing his nose.

Main events of Swayamvar                       Description 

Conditions                                              Shiva lifting the bow and stringing it

Miracle of Sita                                           Lift the bow with one hand in childhood

Ravana's defeat                                        Failed 

Ram's Victory                                            Lifted the bow with devotion and broke

How to celebrate Vivah Panchami?

Keep a fast on this day, worship Ram-Sita, and listen to the story. The couple give gifts to each other and perform marriage rituals. Ramayana says marriage is not just a bond—it is a lesson of religion, love, and duty. Sita's strength and Ram's restraint still inspire us.