Shloka 1.70.16

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

Devanagari script

विदितं ते महाराज इक्ष्वाकुकुलदैवतम्।।1.70.16।।वक्ता सर्वेषु कृत्येषु वसिष्ठो भगवानृषि:।

Transliteration

viditaṁ te mahārāja ikṣvākukula-daivatam |

vaktā sarveṣu kṛtyeṣu vasiṣṭho bhagavān ṛṣiḥ || 1.70.16 ||

Translation

O great king, it is well known to you that the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha is the divine guardian of the Ikṣvāku dynasty, and that in all ritual duties he serves as its authorized spokesman.

Context

"O Great king! venerable Vasishta is the spiritual protector of the Ikshvakus race and it is known that for all ceremonies he is our spokesman".

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Janaka (Vaideha)
• Vasiṣṭha
• Ikṣvāku dynasty

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through recognized spiritual authority: royal action—especially ritual and public duty—should proceed under a legitimate, respected guide (here, Vasiṣṭha), ensuring correctness and integrity.

What is the narrative situation?

In the marriage negotiations at Janaka’s court, Daśaratha introduces Vasiṣṭha as the dynasty’s authoritative priestly voice, preparing for the formal recitation of the Ikṣvāku genealogy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s humility and adherence to propriety: he defers to the qualified sage rather than asserting royal prestige, modeling disciplined rajadharma.