Shloka 1.66.21

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

Devanagari script

आत्मानमवधूतं ते विज्ञाय नृपपुङ्गवा:।रोषेण महताऽऽविष्टा: पीडयन्मिथिलां पुरीम्।।1.66.21।।

Transliteration

evam uktas sa dharmātmā janakena mahātmanā | pratyuvāca munir vīraṁ vākyaṁ vākyaviśāradaḥ || 1.66.4 ||

Translation

Thus addressed by the great-souled Janaka, the righteous sage—skilled in speech—replied to the heroic king.

Context

Those eminent kings felt humiliated. Inflamed with anger, they tormented the city of Mithila.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Viśvāmitra

FAQs

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

Dharma is communicated through disciplined speech: the sage’s measured reply models truthful, purposeful dialogue rather than impulsive words.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration transitions from Janaka’s welcome to Viśvāmitra’s response, setting up the request regarding the famed bow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s restraint and eloquence—wisdom expressed through fitting speech.