Shloka 1.71.4

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

Devanagari script

तस्य पुत्रोमिथिर्नाम मिथिला येन निर्मिता।प्रथमो जनको नाम जनकादप्युदावसु:।।।।

Transliteration

sudhṛter api dharmātmā dṛṣṭaketuḥ sudhārmikaḥ |

dṛṣṭaketos tu rājarṣer haryaśva iti viśrutaḥ ||

Translation

From Sudhṛti too was born Dṛṣṭaketu, righteous in soul and firmly devoted to dharma. And from the royal sage Dṛṣṭaketu was born the famed Haryaśva.

Context

Nimi begot a son named Mithi who constructed Mithila. He was the first Janaka whose son was Udavasu.

Characters & Entities

• Sudhṛti
• Dṛṣṭaketu
• Haryaśva

FAQs

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

Dharma is presented as the defining excellence of rulership; the best kings are remembered primarily for moral steadfastness.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra continues the succession in Mithilā’s dynasty, emphasizing dharmic credentials in the line.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast adherence to dharma (‘sudhārmika’), implying disciplined rule and ethical consistency.