Shloka 1.71.2

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

Devanagari script

प्रदाने हि मुनिश्रेष्ठ कुलं निरवशेषत:।वक्तव्यं कुलजातेन तन्निबोध महामुने।।।।

Transliteration

pradāne hi muniśreṣṭha kulaṃ niravaśeṣataḥ |

vaktavyaṃ kulajātena tan nibodha mahāmune ||

Translation

O best of sages, when giving a daughter in marriage, one born into a noble line should declare the family lineage in full; hear it, O great sage.

Context

"O Great sage! O Best of ascetics! while one offers his daughter (in marriage), one born in a noble family should describe his genealogy in full. Listen.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Vasiṣṭha
• Marriage-giving rite (kanyā-pradāna)

FAQs

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

Satya and maryādā in social rites: marriage alliances require truthful disclosure of lineage, ensuring transparency, legitimacy, and mutual respect between families.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka prefaces his genealogical account, explaining why he is narrating his dynasty before giving Sītā in marriage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity and procedural righteousness—following established dharmic norms for solemn family rites.