Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.133

c9.133

8) Marriage. Viśvāmitra came to king Janaka's palace with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. Janaka's daughter Sitā and his younger brothers' daughters Māṇḍavī, Ūrmilā and Śrutakirti were living in the palace as sisters and very good friends. One day the princesses who were playing in the garden could not pluck jasmine flowers from a height. Sitā then brought the Śaivacāpa (Śiva's bow) from the weapon-room and shot down Jasmine flowers with it. As Janaka watched Sitā's action of shooting with the Śaivacāpa an idea came into his head. He announced that the hero, who succeeded in shooting with Śaivacāpa, would be given Sitā in marriage. Just as Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa were inseparable companions Sitā and Ūrmilā were always to be found together and Māṇḍavī and Śrutakirti were particular friends. Śrī Rāma shot an arrow from Śiva's bow and he was selected as Sitā's husband. Janaka informed Daśaratha of the marriage and he came with his attendants. Bharata married Māṇḍavī, Lakṣmaṇa, Ūrmilā and Śrutakirti. After living in Mithilā for sometime Daśaratha and others returned to Ayodhyā. Viśvāmitra went to the Himālayas for rest.