Shloka 1.66.17

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

Devanagari script

ततस्सर्वे नृपतय स्समेत्य मुनिपुंगव।मिथिलामभ्युपागम्य वीर्यजिज्ञासवस्तदा।।1.66.17।।

Transliteration

teṣāṁ varayatāṁ kanyāṁ sarveṣāṁ pṛthivīkṣitām |

vīryaśulketi bhagavan na dadāmi sutām aham ||1.66.16||

Translation

Though all those rulers sought the maiden, O revered one, I did not give my daughter, holding to the condition that she be won only by proven prowess.

Context

O Pre-eminent among ascetics! thereafter many kings together came to Mithila to test their prowess.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Sītā
• pṛthivīkṣit (kings)
• vīryaśulka
• Viśvāmitra

FAQs

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

Satya and dharma as fidelity to one’s declared standard: Janaka does not bend rules under pressure from powerful suitors.

What is the narrative situation?

Despite many proposals from monarchs, Janaka maintains the vow/condition that only a demonstrably capable hero may marry Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity—steadfastness to a principled commitment even before influential claimants.