Shloka 2.118.42

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

Devanagari script

इदं च धनुरुद्यम्य सज्यं यः कुरुते नरः।तस्य मे दुहिता भार्या भविष्यति न संशयः।।2.118.42।।

Transliteration

idaṃ ca dhanur udyamya sajyaṃ yaḥ kurute naraḥ | tasya me duhitā bhāryā bhaviṣyati na saṃśayaḥ || 2.118.42 ||

Translation

“Whoever among men can lift this bow and string it, he shall have my daughter as his wife—of this there is no doubt.”

Characters & Entities

• Janaka (implied as speaker of the proclamation)
• Sītā (Janaka’s daughter)
• the bow (Śiva’s bow/Pināka implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma as rightful selection: partnership is linked to proven capability and worthiness, declared truthfully and without ambiguity.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka announces the svayaṃvara condition: lifting and stringing the bow determines the bridegroom.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s steadfastness to a clear vow (satya-saṅkalpa) and principled decision-making.