Shloka 1.31.12

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

Devanagari script

तद्धि यज्ञफलं तेन मैथिलेनोत्तमं धनु:।याचितं नरशार्दूल सुनाभं सर्वदैवतै:।।1.31.12।।

Transliteration

tad dhi yajñaphalaṃ tena maithilenottamaṃ dhanuḥ | yācitaṃ naraśārdūla sunābhaṃ sarvadaivataiḥ || 1.31.12 ||

Translation

For that excellent bow—firm at its center—was obtained by the Maithila king as the fruit of a yajña, sought and granted by all the gods.

Context

O best among men, that excellent bow strong in the middle was offered by king of Mithila, Devarata as well as by all devatas as fruit of the sacrifice.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma
• Maithila king (Janaka/Devarāta per tradition)
• All deities (sarva-devatāḥ)
• The bow (Pināka/Śiva-dhanuḥ—contextually implied)
• Yajña

FAQs

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

Merit yields rightful reward: the bow is framed as yajña-phala, teaching that sincere, truth-based ritual action (satya in conduct) bears legitimate outcomes.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra explains the sacred provenance of the bow—connected to sacrificial merit and divine involvement.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence for sacred lineage of objects: the epic treats powerful items as entrusted responsibilities, not mere trophies.