Shloka 5
Gaṅgā-Tīrtha Darśana and the Prelude to the Yavakrīta–Indra Exemplum (लोमश-युधिष्ठिर संवादः)
अद्टावक्र उवाच सर्वे राज्ञो मैथिलस्य मैनाकस्येव पर्वता: । निकृष्टभूता राजानो वत्सा अनडुहो यथा,अष्टावक्र बोले--जैसे सब पर्वत मैनाकसे छोटे हैं, सारे बछड़े बैलोंसे लघुतर हैं, उसी प्रकार भूमण्डलके समस्त राजा मिथिलानरेश महाराज जनककी अपेक्षा निम्न श्रेणीमें हैं
aṣṭāvakra uvāca sarve rājño maithilasya mainākasyeva parvatāḥ | nikṛṣṭabhūtā rājāno vatsā anaḍuho yathā ||
Aṣṭāvakra said: “Just as all mountains are smaller than Maināka, and as calves are inferior in strength to full-grown bulls, so too are all the kings of the earth of a lower rank when compared with the king of Mithilā, Janaka.” In context, the statement underscores that true royal excellence is measured not merely by power but by inner worth—wisdom, self-mastery, and dharmic conduct—qualities for which Janaka is renowned.
अद्टावक्र उवाच