Shloka 1.66.20

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

Devanagari script

तत: परमकोपेन राजानो नृपपुङ्गव।न्यरुंधन्मिथिलां सर्वे वीर्यसंदेहमागता:।।1.66.20।।

Transliteration

bhagavan svāgataṁ te ’stu kiṁ karomi tavānagha | bhavān ājñāpayatu mām ājñāpyo bhavatā hy aham || 1.66.3 ||

Translation

“Venerable sir, welcome. O sinless one, what may I do for you? Please command me—for I am indeed to be directed by you.”

Context

O Mighty ascetic, thereafter all the kings doubting their own strength in stringing the bow were inflamed with anger and laid siege on Mithila.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Viśvāmitra
• Mithilā

FAQs

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

Atithi-satkara and respect for spiritual authority: a righteous king honors a sage, offers service, and places himself under the discipline of dharma-guided counsel.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka receives Viśvāmitra (who has arrived with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa) and formally offers welcome and obedience.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s humility and reverence—royal power is shown as subordinate to spiritual merit and truth-guided instruction.