Shloka 1.66.16

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

Devanagari script

तेषां वरयतां कन्यां सर्वेषां पृथिवीक्षिताम्।वीर्यशुल्केति भगवन् न ददामि सुतामहम्।।1.66.16।।

Transliteration

bhūtalād utthitāṁ tāṁ tu vardhamānāṁ mamātmajām |

varayāmāsur āgamya rājāno munipuṅgava ||1.66.15||

Translation

O best of sages, as that daughter of mine—born of the earth—grew up, kings came and sought her hand in marriage.

Context

O Worshipful one! all those monarchs sought this maiden but I did not offer my daughter saying that the 'marriage offer' could be made only through the tried and tested prowess of a suitor.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Sītā
• kings (rājānaḥ)
• Viśvāmitra

FAQs

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

Dharma in social life requires orderly, public, and respectful seeking of alliance—kings approach properly rather than seize or coerce.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka notes that many rulers arrived at Mithilā and proposed marriage to Sītā as she came of age.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for social and royal protocol in pursuing marriage.