Shloka 1.66.8

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

Devanagari script

देवरात इति ख्यातो निमेष्षष्ठो महीपति:।न्यासोऽयं तस्य भगवन् हस्ते दत्तो महात्मना।।1.66.8।।

Transliteration

devarāta iti khyāto nimeḥ ṣaṣṭho mahīpatiḥ | nyāso 'yaṃ tasya bhagavan haste datto mahātmanā || 1.66.8 ||

Translation

“O revered one, there was a famed king named Devarāta, sixth in descent from Nimi. This bow, O Bhagavān, was entrusted into his hands by the great Lord Śiva.”

Context

"O Adorable one! there was a famous king named Devarata, sixth in line from Nimi. This bow was kept with him in trust by the exalted lord (Shiva).

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Viśvāmitra
• Devarāta
• Nimi
• Śiva (Rudra)
• the bow (Śiva-dhanus / Pināka)

FAQs

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

Dharma as trusteeship (nyāsa): sacred power is not privately owned but safeguarded responsibly through rightful custodianship and lineage.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka identifies an earlier custodian, King Devarāta of Nimi’s line, to whom Śiva entrusted the bow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence for sacred responsibility—kings are portrayed as guardians of divine trusts, not mere possessors.