Shloka 1.13.2

हयमेध-यज्ञोपक्रमः — Commencement of the Aśvamedha Preparations

Devanagari script

अभिवाद्य वसिष्ठं च न्यायत: परिपूज्य च।अब्रवीत्प्रश्रितं वाक्यं प्रसवार्थं द्विजोत्तमम्।।1.13.2।।

Transliteration

mithilādhipatiṃ śūraṃ janakaṃ satyavikramam | niṣṭhitaṃ sarvaśāstreṣu tathā vedeṣu niṣṭhitam || 1.13.20 || tam ānaya mahābhāgaṃ svayam eva susatkṛtam | pūrvasambandhinaṃ jñātvā tataḥ pūrvaṃ bravīmi te || 1.13.21 ||

Translation

Bring Janaka, the heroic lord of Mithilā, whose valor is grounded in truth—firmly established in all śāstras and likewise well versed in the Vedas. Bring that distinguished man yourself, honoring him with due reverence; knowing him to be an ally through former ties, I tell you this beforehand.

Context

After offering humble salutations and worshipping sage Vasishta in accordance with prescribed ordinance for begetting children, he obediently said:

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Mithilā
• Vedas
• Śāstras

FAQs

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

Dharma honors satya-based leadership: a righteous rite calls for the presence of rulers renowned for truth, learning, and integrity.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha instructs Sumantra to give special, personal invitation to King Janaka of Mithilā due to prior alliance and his distinguished virtues.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya (truth) as the basis of vikrama (valor), coupled with śāstra- and veda-niṣṭhā (steadfast learning and discipline).