Shloka 1.13.20
हयमेध-यज्ञोपक्रमः — Commencement of the Aśvamedha Preparations
मिथिलाधिपतिं शूरं जनकं सत्यविक्रमम्।निष्ठितं सर्वशास्त्रेषु तथा वेदेषु निष्ठितम्।।1.13.20।।तमानय महाभागं स्वयमेव सुसत्कृतम्।पूर्वसम्बन्धिनं ज्ञात्वा तत: पूर्वं ब्रवीमि ते।।1.13.21।।
mithilādhipatiṃ śūraṃ janakaṃ satya-vikramam | niṣṭhitaṃ sarva-śāstreṣu tathā vedeṣu niṣṭhitam ||
tam ānaya mahābhāgaṃ svayam eva su-satkṛtam | pūrva-sambandhinaṃ jñātvā tataḥ pūrvaṃ bravīmi te ||
Bring Janaka, the heroic lord of Mithilā—whose valor is grounded in truth—accomplished in all śāstras and likewise well-versed in the Vedas. Bring that distinguished king yourself, honoring him properly; knowing him to be an old ally, I tell you this beforehand.
You may personally go and bring with due honour king Janaka who is the distinguished king of Mithila, a warrior whose truth is his strength proficient in all scriptures and the Vedas. Since he is an old ally, I am telling you in advance.
Dharma is respectful state conduct: an ally and learned king is to be invited with proper honor, reflecting satya (trustworthiness) and maryādā (protocol).
Daśaratha orders that King Janaka of Mithilā be invited personally and honored, anticipating cooperation based on prior alliance.
Janaka’s satya-rooted valor and learning, and Daśaratha’s diplomatic propriety—honoring relationships and knowledge.