Shloka 1.72.18

वैवाहिकसंबन्ध-निश्चयः / Fixing the Mithila–Ayodhya Marital Alliance

Devanagari script

युवामसङ्ख्येयगुणौ भ्रातरौ मिथिलेश्वरौ।ऋषयो राजसङ्घाश्च भवद्भ्यामभिपूजिता:।।।।

Transliteration

acintyāny aprameyāni kulāni narapuṅgava | ikṣvākūṇāṃ videhānāṃ naiṣāṃ tulyo 'sti kaścana ||

Translation

O best of men, the royal lineages of the Ikṣvākus and the Videhas are beyond imagining and beyond measure; none is equal to these houses.

Context

"You both brothers are lords of Mithila. You possess countless virtues. You pay regards to many rishis and hosts of kings".

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Janaka
• Ikṣvāku dynasty
• Videha dynasty

FAQs

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

Kuladharma and rājadharma: the verse upholds the idea that noble lineages are measured by their sustained commitment to righteous conduct, not merely by power or wealth.

What is the narrative situation?

During marriage negotiations, Janaka honors both dynasties—Ikṣvāku (Rāma’s house) and Videha (Sītā’s house)—to affirm the propriety of the alliance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s humility and discernment: he praises merit and tradition, framing the marriage as a dharmic union between worthy houses.