Shloka 1.67.23

शिवधनुर्दर्शनं—रामेण धनुर्भङ्गश्च (The Showing of Śiva’s Bow and Rama’s Breaking of It)

Devanagari script

मम सत्या प्रतिज्ञा च वीर्यशुल्केति कौशिक।सीता प्राणैर्बहुमता देया रामाय मे सुता।।।।

Transliteration

mama satyā pratijñā ca vīryaśulketi kauśika | sītā prāṇair bahumatā deyā rāmāya me sutā ||

Translation

O Kauśika, my truthful vow has been fulfilled: “Let her be the prize of prowess.” Sītā—dearer to me than life-breath—is to be given to Rāma, my daughter.

Context

O Son of Kausika! I announce Sita to be the 'Reward of prowess'. My vow has come true. She is more valuable than my life and fit to be given to Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Viśvāmitra (Kauśika)
• Sītā
• Rāma
• vow (pratijñā)
• vīryaśulka (bride as reward of prowess)

FAQs

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

Satya (truthfulness) as dharma: Janaka upholds his public vow without wavering, showing that a ruler’s word must be honored.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka formally announces that, since the condition has been met, Sītā will be given in marriage to Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s fidelity to promise and duty—personal attachment (Sītā dearer than life) does not override righteousness and truth.