Shloka 1.66.22

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

Devanagari script

ततस्संवत्सरे पूर्णे क्षयं यातानि सर्वश:।साधनानि मुनिश्रेष्ठ ततोऽहं भृशदु:खित:।।1.66.22।।

Transliteration

putrau daśarathasyemau kṣatriyau lokaviśrutau | draṣṭukāmau dhanuḥśreṣṭhaṁ yad etat tvayi tiṣṭhati || 1.66.5 ||

Translation

“These two are Daśaratha’s sons, renowned kṣatriyas in the world. They wish to see that excellent bow which is in your keeping.”

Context

O Best among ascetics! thus one year passed. Everywhere in the city all the means of living were exhausted. I felt deeply sad over this situation.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Janaka
• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Bow (Janaka’s sacred bow; traditionally identified with Śiva’s bow)

FAQs

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

Proper conduct in requesting sacred access: authority is respected (the bow is in Janaka’s custody), and the request is made through legitimate mediation (the sage).

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra introduces Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa and requests Janaka to show them the famed bow kept at Mithilā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa’s disciplined curiosity and readiness for kṣatriya trials, guided by a guru rather than personal impulse.