Shloka 2.118.36

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

Devanagari script

तां धर्षणामदूरस्थां दृष्ट्वा चात्मनि पार्थिवः।चिन्तार्णवगतः पारं नाससादाप्लवो यथा।।2.118.36।।

Transliteration

tāṁ dharṣaṇām adūrasthāṁ dṛṣṭvā cātmani pārthivaḥ | cintārṇava-gataḥ pāraṁ nāsasādāplavo yathā || 2.118.36 ||

Translation

Seeing that humiliation was close at hand for himself, the king sank into an ocean of worry—like a man without a float who cannot reach the far shore.

Context

Having perceived that the humiliation is not very far, king Janaka was plunged in a sea of sorrow like one who cannot reach the shore without a float.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Sītā

FAQs

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

Dharma can feel like an overwhelming burden when one lacks a clear means to fulfill it; the verse ethically validates anxiety born from responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka foresees imminent social dishonor if Sītā’s marriage is not properly arranged and becomes deeply distressed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s seriousness about duty—he does not treat marriage as casual but as a moral obligation requiring a worthy match.