Shloka 1.31.11

सिद्धाश्रमात् शोणातटं प्रस्थानम् — Departure from Siddhāśrama and the Invitation to Janaka’s Yajña (Bow of Mithilā)

Devanagari script

तद्धनुर्नरशार्दूल मैथिलस्य महात्मन:।तत्र द्रक्ष्यसि काकुत्स्थ यज्ञं चाद्भुतदर्शनम्।।1.31.11।।

Transliteration

tad dhanuḥ naraśārdūla maithilasya mahātmanaḥ | tatra drakṣyasi kākutstha yajñaṃ cādbhutadarśanam || 1.31.11 ||

Translation

That bow, O best of men, O scion of Kakutstha, you shall see there—the bow of the great-souled king of Mithilā—and also a sacrifice wondrous to behold.

Context

O best of men, O descendent of Kakustha, there you will see the bow that belongs to the magnanimous king of Mithila and the wonderful sacrifice at that place.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma (Kākutstha)
• King of Mithilā (Maithila, i.e., Janaka/Devarāta in tradition)
• The bow (Pināka/Śiva-dhanuḥ—contextually implied)
• Yajña (sacrifice)
• Mithilā

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through sacred rites and righteous kingship: the bow and yajña signify responsibility, restraint, and truth-centered rule.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra invites Rāma toward Mithilā to witness the famed bow and a remarkable sacrificial ceremony.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverent curiosity: Rāma is positioned as a worthy witness—one who approaches sacred and royal institutions with respect.