Sitaji was born as the daughter of the wise king Janak of Mithilapuri, in Bihar, in eastern India. Once Parshuram arrived at his palace with his gigantic bow. Parshuram was an avatar, the son of Jamadagni, in the lineage of Bhrugu rishi. The bow was given to him by Shri Mahadev (Shiv).

The word ‘gigantic’ fails miserably to give us a picture of the bow’s size. However we can form a picture mentally when we consider its weight. It was so heavy, so unimaginably huge that it was mind-boggling. When news of its size reached the people, they rushed from all corners of the kingdom to Janak raja’s palace to have its darshan !

Now for the size. It needed 250 oxcarts, each with two oxen, to be carried from one place to another ! That meant 500 oxen ! Now can you form an image of the bow in your mind ? That is not the end of the story. While Parshuram was talking with Janak raja, he saw a little girl, dressed like a princess, instantly grab the bow like a little doll and play horse with it ! Parshuram just stared ! He couldn’t believe it ! The bow was just about manageable for him, a seasoned and mighty warrior. But for a tiny little girl ?!
“Who is that ?” he inquired.
“My daughter Sita,” replied Janak raja.
“Oh ! ......In that case I have a special bit of advice for her,” said Parshuram. As an avatar he could also see into the future.
“Yes, please do tell me,” replied Janak raja, humbly.

“When it is time for her to get married, choose the man who has the strength to break this bow. Only he will be suitable for her.”

Janak raja thanked Parshuram, who left soonafter.
Years later, when it was time for choosing a prince for Sitaji, Janak raja challenged all the princes who arrived, to break the bow. The person who broke it could marry Sita.

Every prince thought it would be a piece of cake.
One after the other, they all came to the bow and then returned to their seats sheepishly. Not one was able to lift it, let alone break it !

Finally only Shri Ram was left. He approached it, lifted it like a toy broomstick and snapped it like a matchstick ! Janak raja smiled. Sitaji beamed. The other princes’ jaws dropped. Sitaji then placed the flower garland around Shri Ramchandra’s neck. Bhakta met Bhagwan.