Rama and the Great Bow: gentle strength, and questions to ask
In the city of Mithila, a young prince lifts a bow that no king could move. This guide is for parents and teachers reading the episode with children: what it is about, who is in it, what to ask and a craft to try. The story itself is on its own page: read Rama and the Great Bow, with a colouring page to print. Rama is राम in Hindi and Sita is सीता.
The episode in a few lines
Rama and his brother Lakshmana travel to Mithila with a wise teacher. King Janaka has a giant bow that belonged to Shiva, and says whoever can lift it may marry his daughter Sita. Many strong kings fail. Rama lifts it easily, the bow snaps in two, and Rama and Sita are married amid songs and lamps.
What does it teach?
Real strength is gentle
Rama does not shout or show off. He walks up, does what is needed and steps back. Ask a child about the difference between being strong and being loud.
Keeping a family and a promise together
The story begins with brothers who play, learn and share. A good talking point is how Rama’s kindness at home and his strength in public belong together.
Not everyone wins, and that is all right
Many kings tried and could not lift the bow. Children can talk about trying hard and handling disappointment with grace.
Meet the characters
Rama
The eldest son of King Dasharatha, kind and brave. Many Hindus revere him as an avatar of Vishnu. For any reader, he is the hero who shows courage and good manners.
Sita
The princess of Mithila and daughter of King Janaka. In this telling she smiles and offers Rama a garland of flowers.
King Janaka
Sita’s father, who sets the great test of the bow.
Lakshmana and the teacher
Lakshmana is Rama’s loyal younger brother. The wise teacher who guides them is traditionally named Vishwamitra.
Questions to ask, by age
For ages three to five
- What did Rama lift?
- What happened to the bow?
- What did Sita give to Rama?
For ages six and up
- Rama was very strong, but he was gentle too. How can you be strong and gentle?
- Why do you think so many kings could not lift the bow?
- How do you feel when you try something and it does not work?
Try it: a garland and a gentle-strength game
Cut flower shapes from coloured paper and thread them on a string to make a garland. While you work, play a small game. One person carries a heavy book across the room, then a soft toy or a feather, and the others describe the difference. Strong people can be careful with small, delicate things. Ask: when does being strong mean being gentle? A grown-up should handle the scissors.
Where does the story come from?
The episode belongs to the Bala Kanda, the first book of the Valmiki Ramayana, an ancient Sanskrit epic. Tellers differ on the details. For example, the garland exchange is told in many regional and folk versions, while older texts describe the marriage rites more simply. The Ramayana is sacred to many Hindus, and others know it as literature or folklore. It is also retold in Jain, Buddhist and Southeast Asian traditions. Our telling is one short retelling for children.
More to explore on Rangooo
Browse all the Ramayana stories for kids, read the next episode Into the Forest, or see the guide to Hanuman Leaps to Lanka.
Questions
What is the lesson of Rama and the Great Bow?
Real strength is gentle and kind. Rama is the strongest person in the hall, yet he is calm and polite, and he does not boast.
Who was King Janaka?
Janaka was the king of Mithila and the father of Sita. In the story he keeps the great bow of Shiva and invites the kings of the land to try to lift it.
Which part of the Ramayana is this story from?
It comes from the Bala Kanda, the first book of the Valmiki Ramayana. Our telling is a short retelling for children, and other tellings differ in the details.
Is this story suitable for young children?
Yes. Our telling is written for ages three to eight. It is cheerful, with no scary parts, and ends with a wedding and a celebration.
This is our own guide to a traditional story that is sacred to many families. Versions differ from teller to teller. If you spot a mistake or a word that does not sit right, please tell us and we will fix it.