Shloka 1.70.18

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

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वा नरश्रेष्ठे राज्ञां मध्ये महात्मनाम्।।1.70.18।।तूष्णींभूते दशरथे वसिष्ठो भगवानृषि:।उवाच वाक्यं वाक्यज्ञो वैदेहं सपुरोधसम्।।1.70.19।।

Transliteration

evam uktvā naraśreṣṭhe rājñāṁ madhye mahātmanām |

tūṣṇīṁ-bhūte daśarathe vasiṣṭho bhagavān ṛṣiḥ |

uvāca vākyaṁ vākyajño vaidehaṁ sa-purodhasam || 1.70.18–19 ||

Translation

Having spoken thus amidst the assembly of high-souled kings, the best among men, Dasharatha, fell silent. Then the venerable sage Vasistha, master of eloquent speech, addressed the King of Videha, who was accompanied by his priests.

Context

Having said this amidst the best of men and the most distinguished among kings, Dasaratha remained silent. Then Vasishta, the venerable sage, well-versed in speechspoke to the Lord of Videhas (Janaka) in the midst of priests.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Vasiṣṭha
• Janaka (Vaideha)
• Kings (assembly)
• Priests (purodhas)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes disciplined speech and restraint: Daśaratha’s silence after proper introduction and Vasiṣṭha’s measured address show that truth and authority are conveyed at the right time, by the right person.

What is the narrative situation?

After presenting Vasiṣṭha as spokesman, Daśaratha pauses; Vasiṣṭha then begins formally addressing Janaka in the presence of priests, initiating the genealogy narrative.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vasiṣṭha’s vākyakuśalatā (skill in fitting speech) and Daśaratha’s self-restraint—both support harmonious, truthful public proceedings.