Shloka 1.48.5
अहल्याशापवर्णनम् (The Account of Ahalyā’s Curse and the Deserted Hermitage near Mithilā)
भूषयन्ताविमं देशं चन्द्रसूर्याविवाम्बरम्।परस्परस्य सदृशौ प्रमाणेङ्गितचेष्टितै:।।।।किमर्थं च मुनिश्रेष्ठ सम्प्राप्तौ दुर्गमे पथि।वरायुधधरौ वीरौ श्रोतुमिच्छामि तत्त्वत:।।।।
bhūṣayantāv imaṃ deśaṃ candrasūryāv ivāmbaram |
parasparasya sadṛśau pramāṇeṅgitaceṣṭitaiḥ ||
kimarthaṃ ca muniśreṣṭha samprāptau durgame pathi |
varāyudhadharau vīrau śrotum icchāmi tattvataḥ ||
O best of sages, these two heroes—alike in stature, expression, and movement—adorn this land like the sun and the moon in the sky. Bearing excellent weapons, they have come by difficult paths; for what purpose have they arrived? I wish to hear the truth clearly.
O Great ascetic! they resemble each other in personality, expression and gestures. They adorn this land like Sun and moon in the sky holding excellent weapons. These heroes have trodden paths difficult to traverse. For what purpose have they come? I want to hear clearly".
Responsible inquiry by a ruler: Janaka seeks truthful clarity (satya) about unknown armed guests before proceeding—balancing reverence for a sage with the duty to protect and govern.
In Mithilā, Janaka observes two extraordinary princes accompanying Viśvāmitra and asks who they are and why they have come via difficult routes.
Janaka’s discernment and respect: he praises the youths yet asks for the truth from the sage, showing prudent kingship and humility.