Shloka 2.118.39

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

Devanagari script

महायज्ञे तदा तस्य वरुणेन महात्मना।दत्तं धनुर्वरं प्रीत्या तूणी चाक्षयसायकौ।।2.118.39।।

Transliteration

mahāyajñe tadā tasya varuṇena mahātmanā | dattaṁ dhanur-varaṁ prītyā tūṇī cākṣaya-sāyakau || 2.118.39 ||

Translation

At that time, during his great sacrifice, the magnanimous Varuṇa, pleased at heart, bestowed upon him an excellent bow, along with quivers and two inexhaustible arrows.

Context

Magnanimous Varuna out of his affection had given him, on the occasion of a great sacrifice, an excellent bow with inexhaustible arrows and a pair of quivers.

Characters & Entities

• Varuṇa
• Janaka
• great sacrifice (mahāyajña)
• excellent bow (dhanur-vara)
• inexhaustible arrows (akṣaya-sāyaka)
• quivers (tūṇī)

FAQs

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

Ritual merit and righteous conduct attract divine support; sacred gifts become instruments for upholding dharma (later used to test worth in the svayaṁvara context).

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā notes the origin of a powerful bow and weapons given to Janaka by Varuṇa during a great sacrifice.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s ritual righteousness and Varuṇa’s benevolence—divine aid aligned with dharmic kingship.