Shloka 1.72.21

वैवाहिकसंबन्ध-निश्चयः / Fixing the Mithila–Ayodhya Marital Alliance

Devanagari script

स गत्वा निलयं राजा श्राद्धं कृत्वा विधानत:।प्रभाते काल्यमुत्थाय चक्रे गोदानमुत्तमम्।।।।

Transliteration

tam āpṛṣṭvā narapatiṃ rājā daśarathas tadā | munīndrau tau puraskṛtya jagāmāśu mahāyaśāḥ ||

Translation

Then the renowned King Daśaratha, having taken leave of that lord of men, departed at once, placing the two foremost sages before him.

Context

The king (Dasaratha) reached the abode, performed the sharaddha ceremony in accordance with the scriptures. Next day at dawn at appropriate time he gifted away cows (a ceremony performed by initiating the bridegrooms into the marriage.)

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Janaka
• two sages (munīndra)
• Mithilā

FAQs

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

Deference to spiritual authority: placing sages in the forefront signifies that dharma is led by wisdom and restraint, even for kings.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrative describes Daśaratha’s formal leave-taking from Janaka and his departure, honoring the sages by letting them lead.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and reverence: Daśaratha’s conduct models maryādā—proper etiquette toward both a fellow king and revered sages.