Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 73, Shloka 11
त्रिसप्ततितमः सर्गः (Sarga 73): Mithilā Vivāha
Kanyādāna and the Fourfold Marriage Rites
वसिष्ठो भगवानेत्य वैदेहमिदमब्रवीत्।राजा दशरथो राजन् कृतकौतुकमङ्गलै:।।।।पुत्रैर्नरवर श्रेष्ठ दातारमभिकाङ्क्षते।
vasiṣṭho bhagavān etya vaideham idam abravīt | rājā daśaratho rājan kṛtakautukamaṅgalaiḥ | putrair naravaraśreṣṭha dātāram abhikāṅkṣate ||
Pagkaraan, lumapit ang kagalang-galang na si Vasiṣṭha kay Janaka ng Videha at nagsabi: “O Hari, pinakamainam sa mga pinuno, si Haring Daśaratha—kasama ang kaniyang mga anak na nakatapos na ng mapalad na paunang ritwal—ay naghihintay sa magbibigay ng mga dalaga.”
Adorable Vasishta approached king Janaka and said, "O King, of Videha! king Dasaratha, the best of men with his sons having performed the auspicious rites preparatory to marriage is awaiting the bestower of the brides".
FAQs
The verse highlights procedural dharma in marriage: the dātā (bride-giver) has a defined, honorable duty, and the receiving party waits respectfully for that rightful act.
With the princes ready, Vasiṣṭha formally prompts Janaka to take his role in the wedding ceremony as the giver of the brides.
Respect for ritual propriety and roles—Daśaratha’s restraint and Vasiṣṭha’s orderly guidance.