Shloka 93
जनक–ब्राह्मणसंवादः
Viṣaya, Mamatva, and Self-Mastery
नाध्यगच्छ तदा तस्यां तदा मे कश्मलो5भवत् | जब पृथ्वीपर अपने राज्यका पता न पा सका तो मैंने मिथिलामें खोज की। जब वहाँसे भी निराशा हुई तो अपनी प्रजापर अपने अधिकारका पता लगाया, किंतु उनपर भी अपने अधिकारका निश्चय न हुआ, तब मुझे मोह हो गया
nādhygaccha tadā tasyāṃ tadā me kaśmalo 'bhavat |
Janaka said: “At that time I could not discover it there; then confusion and inner bewilderment arose in me.” In context, Janaka describes a crisis of certainty about sovereignty and rightful authority—when he could not clearly locate the basis of his rule (first in the land, then in Mithilā, then in relation to his subjects), his mind fell into delusion, prompting deeper inquiry into what truly constitutes legitimate kingship and dharma.
जनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
When the foundation of one’s authority or identity is sought only in external markers (land, city, subjects), uncertainty can arise; the verse points toward the need to ground kingship and action in dharma and inner clarity rather than mere possession or power.
Janaka recounts a moment of doubt: he could not ‘find’ or ascertain the basis of his rightful rule, and as that certainty failed, he experienced kaśmala—mental and moral confusion—setting the stage for further reflection on true sovereignty and duty.