Shloka 1.71.17

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

Devanagari script

स च मे प्रेषयामास शैवं धनुरनुत्तमम्।सीता कन्या च पद्माक्षी मह्यं वै दीयतामिति।।।।

Transliteration

sa ca me preṣayāmāsa śaivaṃ dhanur anuttamam |

sītā kanyā ca padmākṣī mahyaṃ vai dīyatām iti ||

Translation

And he sent me this demand: “Let the unsurpassed bow of Śiva be given to me—and also Sītā, the lotus-eyed maiden, be bestowed upon me.”

Context

He (Sudhanva) sent me a message: 'give me the great bow of Siva and the lotus-eyed maiden Sita'.

Characters & Entities

• Sudhanvā
• Śiva
• Śaiva bow (Pināka/Śiva-dhanuḥ)
• Sītā
• Mithilā

FAQs

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

Dharma here involves guarding sacred trust and family honor: a king must not surrender a revered divine heirloom or his daughter to coercion, but uphold rightful procedure and consent.

What is the narrative situation?

Sudhanvā issues an ultimatum to Janaka demanding the Śiva-bow and Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast protection of what is entrusted—both sacred property and the dignity of one’s daughter.