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Sharanga
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Sharanga: Origin

शार्ङ्ग

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.

Borne byविVishnu

Where did it come from?

The texts tell different stories.

Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda 75

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.

Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda 76

The bow Rama strung

Parashurama gives Vishnu's bow to Rama after the breaking of Shiva's bow; Rama strings it, and Parashurama recognises Vishnu in him.

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