Shloka 1.73.4

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

Devanagari script

स्वस्रीयं मम राजेन्द्र द्रष्टुकामो महीपति:।तदर्थमुपयातोऽहमयोध्यां रघुनन्दन।।।।

Transliteration

svasrīyaṁ mama rājendra draṣṭukāmo mahīpatiḥ | tadartham upayāto 'ham ayodhyāṁ raghunandana ||

Translation

“O best of kings, the ruler of Kekaya wished to see my sister’s son; for that reason I came to Ayodhyā, O delight of the Raghus.”

Context

The king of Kekaya, O Indra among kings, O Joy of the Raghus, desires to see my sisters's son and on that account I went to Ayodhya.

Characters & Entities

• Yudhājit
• Kekaya (kingdom/ruler implied)
• Ayodhyā
• Daśaratha (implied addressee)
• Raghu lineage (Raghunandana)
• sister’s son (nephew—contextually Bharata)

FAQs

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

It reflects kinship-duty and truthful communication: family ties generate rightful obligations (to meet, inquire, and maintain bonds), stated plainly and respectfully.

What is the narrative situation?

Yudhājit explains to Daśaratha why he came to Ayodhyā: the Kekaya ruler desired to see his nephew (the sister’s son).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respectful speech and fidelity to family responsibility—acting promptly to fulfill relational duties.