Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 67, Shloka 23
शिवधनुर्दर्शनं—रामेण धनुर्भङ्गश्च
The Showing of Śiva’s Bow and Rama’s Breaking of It
मम सत्या प्रतिज्ञा च वीर्यशुल्केति कौशिक।सीता प्राणैर्बहुमता देया रामाय मे सुता।।।।
mama satyā pratijñā ca vīryaśulketi kauśika | sītā prāṇair bahumatā deyā rāmāya me sutā ||
O Kauśika, mein wahrhaftiges Gelübde ist erfüllt: »Sie sei der Lohn der Tapferkeit.« Sītā, mir teurer als der Lebenshauch, soll Rāma gegeben werden — meine Tochter.
O Son of Kausika! I announce Sita to be the 'Reward of prowess'. My vow has come true. She is more valuable than my life and fit to be given to Rama.
FAQs
Satya (truthfulness) as dharma: Janaka upholds his public vow without wavering, showing that a ruler’s word must be honored.
Janaka formally announces that, since the condition has been met, Sītā will be given in marriage to Rāma.
Janaka’s fidelity to promise and duty—personal attachment (Sītā dearer than life) does not override righteousness and truth.