The mighty warrior Shri Ram’s valour is something which never be contended by anyone at any point of time. His bow Kodand and his arrows are representations of energy which destroy evil with their force. They are not only the symbols of his strength but also are the icons of his righteousness and divinity. In every facet where Shri Ram uses his bow and arrow, they successfully neutralise the evil destructive forces and also balance the creation too.
Shri Ram’s skill over wielding the bow is eminent in various occasions. As a young prince, when Shri Ram accompanies Rishi Vishwamitr to kill the demons Tadaka, Marich and Subahu, his exemplary skill in the use of the weaponry is displayed. Rishi Vishwamitr explains the strength of Tadaka and how has she created havoc in the forest disturbing the peace of the Ashrams. Shri Ram is furious and he just snaps his bow with such force that listening to the sound of the bow itself, Tadaka fears her opponent. The power of his arrows comes out in full swing when Shri Ram along with Lakshman, yields the bow and destroys the demons Marich and Subahu and protects the Yagn. With his bow and arrows, Shri Ram proves to be the destined warrior who would destroy evil forces and establish Dharma.
After being granted powerful Astras and Sastras by Rishi Vishwamitr, both the brothers go with the sage to the city of Mithila, where again the skill of Shri Ram’s bowman ship is displayed. In the Swayamvar, Maharaj Janak gets worried that there is no warrior who can lift the Shiv Dhanush. But on Rishi Vishwamitr‘s command, Shri Ram not only lifts the bow, but with ease and skill breaks it too. Fulfilling his incarnation purpose, he receives his Kodand from Parasuram and shows him that he is the warrior born to yield the bow and arrow and vanquish the demons.
During the time of his exile, it is with great power of his bows and arrows that Shri Ram kills the demons of the Dandak forest. When Mata Sita asks him whether it would be right for him to yield a bow when he has to lead a hermit life, Shri Ram clears her doubt saying that his first duty is as a Kshatriya and he would use his weapons for the annihilation of the demons, no matter he leads a life of a prince or hermit.
Later, in the quest of Mata Sita, Shri Ram befriends Sugriv and gives a word to Sugriv to make him the king of Kishkinda. But, Sugriv knowing Bali’s strength requests a test of Shri Ram’s skill. With simple ease, Shri Ram cuts the seven palm trees with a single arrow and convinces that he is a warrior greater than Bali. With a single shot of arrow, Shri Ram defeats Bali and gives out a message to the Vanars that their leader to whom they were born to follow has arrived.
In the Ram and Ravan battle, the exceptional display of Shri Ram’s bow and arrows proves that Ravan in spite of being the conqueror of the three worlds is no match for Shri Ram. With his invincible Ram Baan, he destroys the nectar in Ravan’s stomach and then with the Brahmastr kills him. Being an exceptional warrior, Shri Ram yields the bow and arrows as a mark of his strength and skill. However, being the virtuous person, he never used them to show off his skill, but only to retain and protect Dharma.