Shloka 1.69.9

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

Devanagari script

उवाच च नरश्रेष्ठो नरश्रेष्ठं मुदाऽन्वित:।स्वागतं ते महाराज दिष्ट्या प्राप्तोऽसि राघव।।।।पुत्रयोरुभयो: प्रीतिं लप्स्यसे वीर्यनिर्जिताम्।

Transliteration

janako 'pi mahātejāḥ kriyāṃ dharmeṇa tattvavit |

yajñasya ca sutābhyāṃ ca kṛtvā rātrim uvāsa ha ||

Translation

Janaka too—radiant and discerning in the true principles of dharma—performed the proper rites in accordance with dharma, both for the sacrifice (yajña) and for his two daughters, and then spent the night there.

Context

Filled with joy the best of men (Janaka) addreseed the best of men Dasaratha: "O Descendant of the Raghus, O Great king welcome! I am fortunate to have you, you will experience the pleasure of both your sons having won the reward for their prowess.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• yajña (sacrifice)
• Sītā (implied as a daughter)
• Ūrmilā (implied as a daughter)

FAQs

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

Dharma as faithful observance: Janaka’s actions show that truthfulness (satya) and righteousness are upheld through correctly performed duties—ritual and familial—without neglect.

What is the narrative situation?

At the close of the sarga, Janaka completes the appropriate sacrificial and family-related rites and remains there overnight.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s conscientiousness and wisdom—he is portrayed as a ruler who understands and performs duty in its proper form.