Shloka 1.70.19

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

bhrātā mama mahātejā yavīyān atidhārmikaḥ |

kuśadhvaja iti khyātaḥ purīm adhyavasac chubhām || 1.70.2 ||

vāry-āphalaka-paryantāṁ pibann ikṣumatīṁ nadīm |

sāṅkāśyāṁ puṇya-saṅkāśāṁ vimānam iva puṣpakam || 1.70.3 ||

Translation

My younger brother, the renowned Kuśadhvaja—brilliant and exceedingly righteous in dharma—dwells in the auspicious city of Sāṅkāśyā, holy in appearance and likened to the Puṣpaka aerial car, on the bank of the Ikṣumatī river, whose waters mark the city’s boundary.

Context

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

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Kuśadhvaja
• Sāṅkāśyā
• Ikṣumatī river
• Puṣpaka (vimāna)

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as the moral qualification of rulership: Kuśadhvaja’s righteousness and brilliance legitimize his governance and the sanctity associated with his realm.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka introduces his younger brother Kuśadhvaja and describes his residence and kingdom, situating the Videhan family’s standing in the wider political-sacred landscape.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kuśadhvaja’s atidhārmikatā (exceptional righteousness), presented as an ideal royal trait.