Shloka 1.69.7

एकोनसप्ततितमः सर्गः — Daśaratha’s Departure to Videha and Marriage Arrangements

Devanagari script

गत्वा चतुरहं मार्गं विदेहानभ्युपेयिवान्।राजा तु जनक श्श्रीमान् श्श्रुत्वा पूजामकल्पयत्।।।।

Transliteration

uvāca ca naraśreṣṭho naraśreṣṭhaṃ mudā 'nvitaḥ |

svāgataṃ te mahārāja diṣṭyā prāpto 'si rāghava ||

putrayor ubhayoḥ prītiṃ lapsyase vīrya-nirjitām ||

Translation

Filled with joy, that best of men spoke to the best of men: “Welcome to you, O great king, O Rāghava. By good fortune you have arrived; you shall receive glad fulfillment concerning both your sons—won by their valor.”

Context

Covering the distance in four days, they arrived in the country of the Videhas. The fortunate king Janaka, having heard about these tidings, made arangements to extend to them reverential hospitality.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Daśaratha
• Rāghava (Daśaratha as descendant of Raghu)
• Rāma (implied as son)
• Lakṣmaṇa (implied as son)

FAQs

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

Dharma as truthful, respectful speech and honoring merit: Janaka welcomes Daśaratha with sincerity (satya) and acknowledges the sons’ valor as the rightful basis of their success.

What is the narrative situation?

Upon meeting Daśaratha, Janaka formally greets him and announces that Daśaratha will soon enjoy the rightful happiness connected with both sons’ achievements.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s graciousness and integrity—warm hospitality coupled with truthful recognition of virtue.