Pinaka is the bow of Lord Shiva. Also known as Shiva Dhanush, The bow was gifted to Shiva by one of his great devotee King Devaraatha. He was an ancestor of Janaka Maharaj. The Pinaka was crafted by Vishwakarma, supreme architect of the universe and a son of Brahma, the creator god. He crafted two divine bows – Sharanga and Pinaka. Sharanga was given to Lord Vishnu.
References to Shiva Dhanush can be seen in Hindu epic Ramayana. The story goes that Janaka conducts a contest that he will give his daughter Sita as wife to only one who can string the dhanush. Many mighty kings tired their luck but they can’t even lift the Shiva Dhanush. Lord Rama when trying to string the dhanush, the bow broke in to two parts. The swayamvara or Sri Ram and Sita Devi took place with the blessings of Janaka.
The names Pinakahasta, Pinakin, Pinakapani and Pinakavasa describe this attribute of Shiva (the one who holds Pinaka bow in his hand).
References to Shiva Dhanush can be seen in Hindu epic Ramayana. The story goes that Janaka conducts a contest that he will give his daughter Sita as wife to only one who can string the dhanush. Many mighty kings tired their luck but they can’t even lift the Shiva Dhanush. Lord Rama when trying to string the dhanush, the bow broke in to two parts. The swayamvara or Sri Ram and Sita Devi took place with the blessings of Janaka.
The names Pinakahasta, Pinakin, Pinakapani and Pinakavasa describe this attribute of Shiva (the one who holds Pinaka bow in his hand).
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