Shloka 2.118.37

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

Devanagari script

अयोनिजां हि मां ज्ञात्वा नाध्यगच्छद्विचिन्तयन्।सदृशं चानुरूपं च महीपालः पतिं मम।।2.118.37।।

Transliteration

ayonijāṁ hi māṁ jñātvā nādhyagacchad vicintayan | sadṛśaṁ cānurūpaṁ ca mahīpālaḥ patiṁ mama || 2.118.37 ||

Translation

Knowing that I was not born of a womb, the ruler of the earth, though he pondered long, could not find for me a husband both equal and truly fitting.

Context

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.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Janaka

FAQs

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

Dharma in marriage demands appropriateness (anurūpa) and equality (sadṛśa), not merely arranging a match for appearance’s sake.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka struggles to identify a groom worthy of Sītā’s extraordinary origin and nature.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment and integrity in guardianship: Janaka refuses an unworthy or mismatched alliance.