Shloka 1.70.1

वंशवर्णनम् तथा विवाहप्रार्थना — Genealogy of the Ikshvaku Line and the Proposal for Marriage

Devanagari script

तत: प्रभाते जनक: कृतकर्मा महर्षिभि:।उवाच वाक्यं वाक्यज्ञ श्शतानन्दं पुरोहितम्।।1.70.1।।

Transliteration

tataḥ prabhāte janakaḥ kṛta-karmā maharṣibhiḥ | uvāca vākyaṃ vākya-jñaḥ śatānandaṃ purohitam || 1.70.1 ||

Translation

Then, at dawn—when the great sages had completed their rites—Janaka, skilled in speech, addressed Śatānanda, his chief priest.

Context

Thereafter at dawn after the maharshis had performed their daily (sacrificial) rites the eloquent Janaka said to the chief priest Satananda:

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Śatānanda
• maharṣis

FAQs

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

Dharma in kingship is shown as alignment with sacred order: royal action begins after proper rites and consultation with religious authorities.

What is the narrative situation?

In Mithilā, after morning rites, Janaka initiates formal communication through his priest Śatānanda.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s disciplined, dharma-grounded leadership and respect for ritual propriety.