Shloka 1.72.4

वैवाहिकसंबन्ध-निश्चयः / Fixing the Mithila–Ayodhya Marital Alliance

Devanagari script

वक्तव्यं च नरश्रेष्ठ श्रूयतां वचनं मम।भ्राता यवीयान् धर्मज्ञ एष राजा कुशध्वज:।।।।

Transliteration

vaktavyaṃ ca naraśreṣṭha śrūyatāṃ vacanaṃ mama | bhrātā yavīyān dharmajña eṣa rājā kuśadhvajaḥ ||

Translation

O best of men, hear my words, for they ought to be spoken: this is my younger brother, King Kuśadhvaja, a knower of dharma.

Context

O Best of men! my words deserve to be heard. This younger brother king Kusadhwaja is knower of righteousness.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Daśaratha
• Kuśadhvaja

FAQs

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

Dharma is presented as a defining qualification for kingship and alliance: Janaka introduces Kuśadhvaja specifically as dharmajña, implying that righteous discernment is the basis for trust and family bonds.

What is the narrative situation?

During the marriage negotiations in Mithilā, Janaka formally presents his younger brother Kuśadhvaja in the assembly before proceeding with proposals involving their family.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kuśadhvaja’s virtue of dharmajñatā—clear knowledge of righteousness and proper conduct expected of a ruler.