Shloka 1.71.16

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

Devanagari script

कस्य चित्त्वथकालस्य साङ्काश्यादगमत्पुरात्।सुधन्वा वीर्यवान्राजा मिथिलामवरोधक:।।।।

Transliteration

kasya cit tv atha kālasya sāṅkāśyād agamat purāt |

sudhanvā vīryavān rājā mithilām avarodhakaḥ ||

Translation

After some time, the mighty King Sudhanvā set forth from the city of Sāṅkāśyā, intent on laying siege to Mithilā.

Context

A little later a powerful king named Sudhanva from the city of Sankasya beseiged Mithila.

Characters & Entities

• Sudhanvā
• Sāṅkāśyā (Sankasya)
• Mithilā

FAQs

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

The verse sets up the dharmic test of kingship: when aggression arises, a ruler must protect his realm and subjects without abandoning righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka introduces the external threat—Sudhanvā marching from Sāṅkāśyā to besiege Mithilā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Readiness for protective kingship (kṣatra-dharma) in the face of invasion.