King Janaka had declared that he will give Sita’s hand in
marriage to one who will lift up Shiva’s bow and tie the string. Many princes
came and tried but failed. According to folklore in Orissa, Jharkand and Bihar , Ravana too arrived in Mithila and attempted to
lift the bow of Shiva.
Ravana was a huge figure and the people of Mithila were
amazed by his physical appearance. They believed he would lift up the bow and
marry Sita. Filled with pride, Ravana attempted to lift the bow of Shiva. He
almost succeeded in lifting the bow. Ravana then looked around and smiled
contemptuously. The smile caused his downfall; he lost his balance and fell
down with the bow on top of him.
Soldiers attempted to pull out the demon king but they could. They attempted to lift the bow and they could not move it an inch.
Sita who was witnessing the event slowly walked up to Ravana
and lifted the bow with one hand and placed it in its spot.
Ravana immediately walked out of the palace and disappeared
into the sky.
The story of Ravana attempting to lift the bow
of Shiva is not found in the Valmiki Ramayana. But it is found in the folk
stories in Orissa, Jharkand and Bihar . Chhau
dancers from the region narrate the story.