One day, revered sage Parashurama came to visit king Janaka. He carried a bow with him. He left it at the doorstep of the royal hall and went inside. Sita saw the bow, ran to it and began playing with it as if it was a play-horse. Only those with great physical strength and daring could lift and handle the 'Vaishnava' bow. When Parashurama came out, the bow was missing I Ordinary persons could not lift it with ease and he, curiously looking around, spotted Sita playing with it as if it was a play-horse I The sage and the king were astonished.

Sage Parashurama blessed Sita and said to king Janaka: "Dear king, only a great, strong person can wed this girl of such capacity. Arrange a 'Swayamvara' (where the brides choose their spouses) for her and let the most suitable person marry her."