Shloka 1.73.25

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

Devanagari script

ततस्सीतां समानीय सर्वाभरणभूषिताम्।।।।समक्षमग्ने स्संस्थाप्य राघवाभिमुखे तदा।अब्रवीज्जनको राजा कौसल्यानन्दवर्धनम्।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ sītāṃ samānīya sarvābharaṇabhūṣitām |

samakṣam agneḥ saṃsthāpya rāghavābhimukhe tadā |

abravīj janako rājā kausalyānandavardhanam || 1.73.26 ||

Translation

Then King Janaka brought Sītā, adorned with every ornament, and placed her before the sacred fire, facing Rāghava; at that moment he addressed Rāma, the increaser of Kauśalyā’s joy.

Context

Thereafter king Janaka brought Sita adorned with various ornaments and placed her in the presence of Agni in front of Rama, the enhancer of the joy of Kausalya. And said:

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Sītā
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Agni
• Kauśalyā

FAQs

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

Dharma is public accountability in a sacred commitment: the bride is placed before Agni, the ritual witness, emphasizing truth-bound, socially witnessed union.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā is ceremonially brought and positioned before the fire, facing Rāma, just before Janaka’s formal words of gifting (kanyādāna).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s dharmic kingship—he conducts the marriage as a solemn sacrament, not merely a private arrangement.