Shloka 1.71.15

जनककुलवर्णनम् तथा सीतोर्मिलादानम् (Janaka’s Genealogy and the Bestowal of Sita and Urmila)

Devanagari script

वृद्धे पितरि स्वर्याते धर्मेण धुरमावहम्।भ्रातरं देवसङ्काशं स्नेहात्पश्यन् कुशध्वजम्।।।।

Transliteration

vṛddhe pitari svaryāte dharmeṇa dhuram āvaham |

bhrātaraṃ devasaṅkāśaṃ snehāt paśyan kuśadhvajam ||

Translation

When my aged father had gone to heaven, I bore the burden of rule in accordance with dharma, and lovingly cared for my brother Kuśadhvaja, radiant like a god.

Context

After my aged father attained heaven, I looked after my brother Kusadhwaja, who resembles the celestials, affectionately and ruled the kingdom with righteousness.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Kuśadhvaja
• Hrasvaromā

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as governance with righteousness combined with personal compassion: political duty (rule) and private duty (care of a dependent brother) are harmonized.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka describes his conduct after his father’s death—how he ruled and how he treated Kuśadhvaja.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness in duty (bearing the ‘dhura’) and affectionate guardianship.