King Janaka Recounts His Dynasty

Discover King Janaka's illustrious lineage and the events leading to Sita's marriage to Rama. From ancient rulers to a battle with Sudhanva, witness the rich history of Mithila. 

Janaka's Response to Vasishta (1.71.1 - 1.71.2)

After Sage Vasishta described the genealogy of King Dasharatha, King Janaka replied with folded hands:

"Blessings to you, great sage. Allow me to recount the lineage of my dynasty. Listen carefully. When offering one's daughter in marriage, it is customary for those born in noble families to describe their genealogy completely. Please pay attention as I share this information."

The Illustrious Ancestors (1.71.3 - 1.71.11)

1. King Nimi: Renowned in the three worlds for his deeds, supremely virtuous, and strongest among men.

2. Mithi: Son of Nimi, who founded the city of Mithila. He was the first to bear the title Janaka.

3. Udavasu: Son of the first Janaka.

4. Nandivardhana: Righteous son of Udavasu.

5. Suketu: Son of Nandivardhana.

6. Devarata: Righteous and powerful son of Suketu.

7. Brihadradha: Son of Devarata.

8. Mahavira: Heroic and valorous son of Brihadradha.

9. Sudhriti: Son of Mahavira, known for his courage and truthful prowess.

10. Dhrishtaketu: Righteous son of Sudhriti, committed to dharma (righteousness).

11. Haryashva: Well-known son of Dhrishtaketu.

12. Maru: Son of Haryashva.

13. Pratindhaka: Son of Maru.

14. Kirtiratha: Righteous king, son of Pratindhaka.

Recent Ancestors and Janaka's Reign (1.71.12 - 1.71.15)

15. Devamidha: Son of Kirtiratha.

16. Vibudha: Son of Devamidha.

17. Mahidhraka: Son of Vibudha.

18. Kirtirata: Mighty king, son of Mahidhraka.

19. Maharoma: Son of Kirtirata.

20. Swarnaroma: Virtuous son of Maharoma.

21. Hrasvaroma: Son of Swarnaroma, a religious and great soul.

King Janaka continues: "I am the eldest son of Hrasvaroma. My younger brother is the valiant Kushadhwaja. Our father crowned me king, entrusted Kushadhwaja to my care, and retired to the forest. After our aged father attained heaven, I looked after my brother Kushadhwaja affectionately and ruled the kingdom righteously."

The Conflict with Sudhanva (1.71.16 - 1.71.19)

Some time later, a powerful king named Sudhanva from the city of Sankasya besieged Mithila. Sudhanva sent a message to Janaka, demanding two things: the great bow of Shiva (a divine weapon) and the lotus-eyed maiden Sita (Janaka's daughter). When Janaka refused, a great conflict erupted. In the ensuing battle, Janaka faced Sudhanva in direct combat and emerged victorious, slaying the invading king.

Following this victory, Janaka crowned his heroic brother Kushadhwaja as the king of Sankasya, the conquered city.

Offering of Brides (1.71.20 - 1.71.24)

King Janaka then addresses Sage Vasishta and King Dasharatha:

"O great sage, as I mentioned, I am the elder brother, and Kushadhwaja is my younger sibling. With immense pleasure, I offer these maidens in marriage: Sita to Rama and Urmila to Lakshmana. May you be blessed.

I present my daughter Sita, who resembles a celestial maiden, as a reward for Rama's prowess. Additionally, I offer my second daughter Urmila to Lakshmana. I proclaim this thrice to dispel any doubt.

O King Dasharatha, please perform the ancestral rites by gifting cows (a traditional ritual). Thereafter, you may conduct the marriage ceremony. Today, the star Makha is ascendant. I suggest you perform the wedding on the third day from now, under the Uttara Phalguni star. Please distribute gifts for the happiness of Rama and Lakshmana."

Thus ends the Seventy First sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.