Shloka 1.66.14

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

Devanagari script

भूतलादुत्थिता सा तु व्यवर्धत ममात्मजा।वीर्यशुल्केति मे कन्या स्थापितेयमयोनिजा।।1.66.14।।

Transliteration

atha me kṛṣataḥ kṣetraṁ lāṅgūlād utthitā mayā |

kṣetraṁ śodhayatā labdhā nāmnā sīteti viśrutā ||1.66.13||

Translation

Later, as I was ploughing the field and purifying the ground, she rose up for me from the ploughshare; thus she was found and became renowned by the name Sītā.

Context

Arisen from the earth and not from a mother's womb, she grew up as my daughter. I made a stipulation that (this shall be the means to win this maiden as a gift) this shall be given in marriage only to the prince whose prowess is fully tried.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Sītā
• kṣetra (field/ritual ground)
• lāṅgūla (ploughshare)

FAQs

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

The verse links dharma with śaucam (purity) and reverence for life: in a sanctifying act (cleansing the ground), a sacred responsibility (Sītā) is received.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka narrates Sītā’s discovery—arising from the earth while he ploughs and prepares the ground.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s conscientiousness in ritual duty and his readiness to accept a divine trust without possessiveness.