Shloka 1.66.13

शिवधनुर्न्यासकथा तथा सीतोत्पत्तिविवाहशुल्क-निश्चयः (The Bow of Śiva: Its Deposit, Sītā’s Origin, and the Prowess-Brideprice Vow)

Devanagari script

अथ मे कृषत: क्षेत्रं लाङ्गूलादुत्थिता मया।क्षेत्रं शोधयता लब्धा नाम्ना सीतेति विश्रुता।।1.66.13।।

Transliteration

prītiyuktas sa sarveṣāṁ dadau teṣāṁ mahātmanām |

tad etad devadevasya dhanūratnaṁ mahātmanaḥ |

nyāsabhūtaṁ tadā nyastam asmākaṁ pūrvake vibho ||1.66.12||

Translation

Pleased with them all, he granted those great beings the jewel-like bow of the great Devadeva (Śiva). Later, O Lord, it was deposited as a sacred trust with our ancestor in former times.

Context

Thereupon while I was ploughing and cleaing the (sacrificial) ground, Sita, a well-known name, was lifted up by the blade of the plough. Thus she was obtained byme.

Characters & Entities

• Śiva
• Devadeva
• dhanūratna (the precious bow)
• Devas (gods)
• Janaka’s ancestor (pūrvaka)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes faithful stewardship: sacred power (the bow) is not for private vanity but held as a trust, guarded across generations with accountability.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka explains how Śiva’s bow came into the keeping of his lineage—given to the gods and later entrusted to Janaka’s forefathers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reliability and custodial responsibility—preserving what is entrusted without misuse.