Shloka 1.66.7

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

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तस्तु जनक: प्रत्युवाच महामुनिम्।श्रूयतामस्य धनुषो यदर्थमिह तिष्ठति।।1.66.7।।

Transliteration

evam uktas tu janakaḥ pratyuvāca mahāmunim | śrūyatām asya dhanuṣo yadartham iha tiṣṭhati || 1.66.7 ||

Translation

Thus addressed, Janaka replied to the great sage: “Let it be heard why this bow is kept here.”

Context

Thus addressed by the mighty ascetic Janaka replied, "I shall tell you how this bow came to be deposited here".

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Viśvāmitra
• the bow (Śiva-dhanus / Pināka, implied)

FAQs

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

Satya and accountability: Janaka commits to explain the bow’s presence truthfully, reflecting a ruler’s duty to give clear reasons for safeguarding sacred objects.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka begins narrating the history and purpose of the bow kept in his custody.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s transparency and readiness to instruct—he treats the inquiry as an occasion to share rightful history.