Shloka 2.118.35

अनसूयोपदेशः तथा सीताया स्वयंवरकथा (Anasuya’s Counsel and Sita’s Swayamvara Narrative)

Devanagari script

सदृशाच्चापकृष्टाच्च लोके कन्यापिता जनात्।प्रधर्षणामवाप्नोति शक्रेणापि समो भुवि।।2.118.35।।

Transliteration

sadṛśāc cāpakṛṣṭāc ca loke kanyā-pitā janāt | pradharṣaṇām avāpnoti śakreṇāpi samo bhuvi || 2.118.35 ||

Translation

For in this world, the father of an unmarried girl meets humiliation from people—whether equal to him or even inferior—though he may be as great on earth as Indra himself.

Context

Even though he was an Indra on earth, as a father of an unmarried girl he would be humiliated by men who are his equal or inferior in this world.

Characters & Entities

• Indra (Śakra)
• Janaka (implied)
• Sītā (implied)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma operates within social perception: failing (or appearing to fail) in one’s duty—here, arranging a daughter’s marriage—invites public blame, even against the truly eminent.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā explains why Janaka felt pressured: society judges and humiliates a father whose daughter remains unmarried.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s concern for propriety and reputation tied to duty, not mere pride.