Shloka 1.73.18

त्रिसप्ततितमः सर्गः (Sarga 73): Mithilā Vivāha—Kanyādāna and the Fourfold Marriage Rites

Devanagari script

ततो राजा विदेहानां वसिष्ठमिदमब्रवीत्।।।।कारयस्व ऋषे सर्वमृषिभि: सह धार्मिक।रामस्य लोकरामस्य क्रियां वैवाहिकीं विभो।।।।

Transliteration

tato rājā videhānāṃ vasiṣṭham idam abravīt | kārayasva ṛṣe sarvam ṛṣibhiḥ saha dhārmika | rāmasya lokarāmasya kriyāṃ vaivāhikīṃ vibho ||

Translation

Then Janaka, king of the Videhas, said to Vasiṣṭha: “O righteous sage, O mighty one—together with the other seers, have all the wedding rites performed for Rāma, the delight of the world.”

Context

Thereafter the king of the Videhas to Vasishta, "O Adherent of righteousness, O Lord! O Maharshi! perform with the rishis the marriage ceremony of Rama who causes delight to the three worlds".

Characters & Entities

• Janaka (king of Videha)
• Videha
• Vasiṣṭha
• ṛṣis (sages)
• Rāma
• vaivāhika-kriyā (marriage rites)

FAQs

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

Dharma is the sanctification of social bonds through śāstric procedure: Janaka ensures the marriage is conducted by qualified sages, aligning worldly joy with sacred order.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka formally requests Vasiṣṭha to conduct Rama’s marriage ceremony in accordance with tradition, together with the assembled sages.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s reverence for dharma and ritual legitimacy; Vasiṣṭha’s competence and authority as priestly guide.