Shloka 1.71.21

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

Devanagari script

वीर्यशुल्कां मम सुतां सीतां सुरसुतोपमाम् ।।।।द्वितीयामूर्मिलां चैव त्रिर्ददामि न संशय:।

Transliteration

rājābhūt triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ svena karmaṇā |

nimiḥ paramadharmātmā sarvasattvavatāṁ varaḥ ||

Translation

There was a king named Nimi, renowned in the three worlds for his own deeds—supremely righteous in spirit and foremost among those endowed with strength and excellence.

Context

I offer my daughter Sita, who looks like a celestial maiden as reward for (Rama's) prowess and my second daughter Urmila (to Lakshmana). I proclaim it three times so that there is no doubt about it.

Characters & Entities

• Nimi
• three worlds (tri-loka)

FAQs

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

True renown is grounded in one’s own righteous conduct (karma) and a dharmic inner disposition; status is validated by ethical action, not merely birth.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra begins recounting the ancient lineage connected with Mithilā and the Janakas, framing Sītā’s royal ancestry.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Nimi’s dharma-centered kingship—fame arising from personal deeds aligned with righteousness.