“The might of arm of the various princes stands as the moon, while Ýiva’s bow is the planet RŒhu as it were; it is massive and unyielding, as is well-known to all. Even the great champions RŒva˜a and BŒ˜Œsura quietly slipped away as soon as they saw the bow. Whoever in this royal assembly breaks today the yonder unbending bow of Ýiva shall be unhesitatingly and insistently wedded by Videha’s daughter and shall triumph over all the three worlds˚.” Hearing the vow all the princes were filled with longing, while those who prided on their valour felt very indignant. Girding up their loins they rose impatiently and bowing their heads to their chosen deity went ahead. They cast an angry look at Ýiva’s bow, grapled with it with steady aim and exerted all their strength; but the bow refused to be lifted. Those princes, however, who had any sense at all did not even approach the bow. (1—4)