Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 118, Shloka 37
अनसूयोपदेशः तथा सीताया स्वयंवरकथा
Anasuya’s Counsel and Sita’s Swayamvara Narrative
अयोनिजां हि मां ज्ञात्वा नाध्यगच्छद्विचिन्तयन्।सदृशं चानुरूपं च महीपालः पतिं मम।।2.118.37।।
ayonijāṁ hi māṁ jñātvā nādhyagacchad vicintayan | sadṛśaṁ cānurūpaṁ ca mahīpālaḥ patiṁ mama || 2.118.37 ||
Knowing that I was not born from a womb, the ruler of the earth could not—despite much reflection—find a husband who was both equal and truly suitable for me.
The ruler of the earth knew that I was not born from a woman's womb, and could not find a suitable husband for me after deep reflection.
FAQs
Dharma in marriage demands appropriateness (anurūpa) and equality (sadṛśa), not merely arranging a match for appearance’s sake.
Janaka struggles to identify a groom worthy of Sītā’s extraordinary origin and nature.
Discernment and integrity in guardianship: Janaka refuses an unworthy or mismatched alliance.