One of Vishwakarma's twin bows
Vishwakarma made two bows; Shiva received Pinaka and Vishnu received Sharanga, which later came to Parashurama through his ancestors.


Sharanga is the celestial bow of Vishnu. The Ramayana says the divine craftsman Vishwakarma made two great bows, Pinaka for Shiva and Sharanga for Vishnu, and that Parashurama handed Sharanga to Rama to string. Vishnu is called Sharngapani, the one who holds Sharanga.
The texts tell different stories.
Vishwakarma made two bows; Shiva received Pinaka and Vishnu received Sharanga, which later came to Parashurama through his ancestors.
Parashurama gives Vishnu's bow to Rama after the breaking of Shiva's bow; Rama strings it, and Parashurama recognises Vishnu in him.