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{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}} {{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}}
{{other|Janaka (disambiguation)|Janak (disambiguation)}} {{other|Janaka (disambiguation)|Janak (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox royalty {{Infobox royalty
| type = Hindu | type = Hindu
| birth_name = Siradhvaja | birth_name = Siradhvaja
| image = Janaka welcomes Rama.jpg | image = Janaka, king of Mithila and father of Sita (cropped).jpg
| caption = Portrait of Janaka, c. 1803-1804 CE
⚫ | caption = Janaka welcoming ] and his father ] to ]
| texts = ], ] | texts = ], ]
| succession = ] of ] | succession = ] of ]
| predecessor = Hrasvaroman | predecessor = Hrasvaroman
| successor = ''Dynasty abolished'' | successor = ]
| spouse = ] | spouse = ]
| issue = ]<br/>] | issue = ]<br/>]
| siblings = ] | siblings = ]
| birth_place = ], Videha | birth_place = ], Videha
| house = ] | house = ]
| father = Hrasvaroman | father = Hrasvaroman
| mother = Keikasi | mother = Keikasi
| dynasty = ] | dynasty = ]
| religion= ] | religion = ]
}} }}


'''Janaka''' ({{lang-sa|जनक}}, ]: ''Janaka'') is the King of ] who ruled from ], in the Hindu epic '']''. Janaka was married to ]. He is the father of ], the female protagonist of the epic and ].{{sfn|Raychaudhuri|2006|pp=41–52}} '''Janaka''' ({{langx|sa|जनक}}, ]: ''Janaka'') is the King of ] who ruled from ], in the Hindu epic '']''. Janaka was married to ]. He is the father of ] and ] in the epic.{{sfn|Raychaudhuri|2006|pp=41–52}} The term Janaka was also the title adopted by all the kings of Videha, who were the descendants of the ] and his son ]. The King Mithi is considered as the first King of Videha who was titled with the term ''Janaka''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jha |first=Makhan |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Anthropology_of_Ancient_Hindu_Kingdoms.html?id=A0i94Z5C8HMC#v=snippet&q=King%20Mithi&f=false |title=Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Prespective |date=1997 |publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. |isbn=978-81-7533-034-4 |language=en}}</ref>
Janaka is revered as being an ideal example of non-attachment to material possessions. He was intensely interested in spiritual discourse and considered himself free from worldly illusions. His interactions with sages and seekers such as ] and ] are recorded in the ancient texts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramayana-Indian-epic|title=Ramayana {{!}} Summary, Characters, & Facts|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2020-02-18|archive-date=12 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412065621/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramayana-Indian-epic|url-status=live}}</ref> Janaka is revered as being an ideal example of non-attachment to material possessions. He was intensely interested in spiritual discourse and considered himself free from worldly illusions. His interactions with sages and seekers such as ] and ] are recorded in the ancient texts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramayana-Indian-epic|title=Ramayana {{!}} Summary, Characters, & Facts|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2020-02-18|archive-date=12 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412065621/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramayana-Indian-epic|url-status=live}}</ref>
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== Legend == == Legend ==
=== Birth and ancestry === === Birth and ancestry ===
Janaka, originally named Sīradhvaja, was born to King Hrasvaroman of Mithila and his wife Keikasi. The Videha kingdom was situated historically between the ] to the east, the ] to the west, the ] river to the north, and the ] to the south.<ref name=Jha1997>{{cite book |author=Jha, M. |year=1997 |chapter=Hindu Kingdoms at contextual level |title=Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0i94Z5C8HMC&pg=PA27 |pages=27–42 |publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd |location=New Delhi|isbn=9788175330344 }}</ref> Janaka had a younger brother named ].<ref>{{cite book |author=Mishra, V. |year=1979 |publisher=Mithila Prakasana |location=Allahabad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8FBuAAAAMAAJ&q=area+of+mithila |title=Cultural Heritage of Mithila | access-date=28 December 2016 | pages=13}}</ref> Upon ascending to the throne as the King of Mithila, Janaka faced an attack from the King of Samkasya, Sudhanvan. In the ensuing war, Janaka emerged victorious by defeating and killing Sudhanvan, after which he appointed his brother Kushadhvaja as the new King of Samkasya.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FHPXAAAAMAAJ&q=Kushadhwaja | title=The Ramayana | publisher=Orient Longman | author=Lakshmi Lal | year=1988 | pages=20 | isbn=9780861318056}}</ref> Janaka, originally named Sīradhvaja, was born to King Hrasvaroman of Mithila and his wife Keikasi. The Videha kingdom was situated historically between the ] to the east, the ] to the west, the ] to the north, and the ] river to the south.<ref name=Jha1997>{{cite book |author=Jha, M. |year=1997 |chapter=Hindu Kingdoms at contextual level |title=Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0i94Z5C8HMC&pg=PA27 |pages=27–42 |publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd |location=New Delhi|isbn=9788175330344 }}</ref> Janaka had a younger brother named ].<ref>{{cite book |author=Mishra, V. |year=1979 |publisher=Mithila Prakasana |location=Allahabad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8FBuAAAAMAAJ&q=area+of+mithila |title=Cultural Heritage of Mithila | access-date=28 December 2016 | pages=13}}</ref> Upon ascending to the throne as the King of Mithila, Janaka faced an attack from the King of Samkasya, Sudhanvan. In the ensuing war, Janaka emerged victorious by defeating and killing Sudhanvan, after which he appointed his brother Kushadhvaja as the new King of Samkasya.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FHPXAAAAMAAJ&q=Kushadhwaja | title=The Ramayana | publisher=Orient Longman | author=Lakshmi Lal | year=1988 | pages=20 | isbn=9780861318056}}</ref>


King ] was the first ruler of the Videha kingdom. Janaka was descended from ] in the following order:—Brahmā—Marīci—Kaśyapa—Vivasvān—Vaivasvata—Ikṣvāku—Nimi—]—Udāvasu—Nandivardhana—Suketu—]—Bṛhadratha—Mahāvīra—Sudhṛti—Dhṛṣṭaketu—Haryaśva—Maru—Pratvantaka—Kīrtiratha—Devamīḍha—Vibudha—Mahīdhraka—Kīrtirāta—Mahāroman—Svarṇaroman—Hrasvaroman—Janaka.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-01-28 |title=Story of Janaka |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc241640.html |access-date=2022-09-10 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> King ] was the first ruler of the Videha kingdom. Janaka was descended from ] in the following order:—Brahmā—Marīci—Kaśyapa—Vivasvān—Vaivasvata—Ikṣvāku—Nimi—]—Udāvasu—Nandivardhana—Suketu—]—Bṛhadratha—Mahāvīra—Sudhṛti—Dhṛṣṭaketu—Haryaśva—Maru—Pratvantaka—Kīrtiratha—Devamīḍha—Vibudha—Mahīdhraka—Kīrtirāta—Mahāroman—Svarṇaroman—Hrasvaroman—Janaka.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-01-28 |title=Story of Janaka |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc241640.html |access-date=2022-09-10 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>


=== Marriage and children === === Marriage and children ===
] ]


⚫ ] and his father ] to ]]]
⚫ Janaka was married to queen ]. According to ''Ramayana'', Janaka and Sunayana found ] while ploughing as a part of a yagna and adopted her. Sita is considered as an avatar of goddess ].<ref name="Sutherland AOS">{{cite web |last=Sutherland |first=Sally J. |title=Sita and Draupadi, Aggressive Behavior and Female Role-Models in the Sanskrit Epics |url=http://sseas.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/faculty/files/sita_and_draupadi.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513083122/http://sseas.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/faculty/files/sita_and_draupadi.pdf |archive-date=13 May 2013 |access-date=1 August 2012 |publisher=University of California, Berkeley}}</ref> She later gave birth to Urmila on Jaya ekadashi, who is an avatar of goddess ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2012-06-24 |title=Urmila, Urmilā, Ūrmilā: 9 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/urmila |access-date=2022-09-10 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>Dictionary of Hindu Lord and Legend'' ({{ISBN|0-500-51088-1}}) by Anna Dhallapiccola</ref>


⚫ Janaka was married to queen ]. According to ''Ramayana'', Janaka and Sunayana found ] while ploughing as a part of a yagna and adopted her. Sita is considered as an avatar of goddess ].<ref name="Sutherland AOS">{{cite web |last=Sutherland |first=Sally J. |title=Sita and Draupadi, Aggressive Behavior and Female Role-Models in the Sanskrit Epics |url=http://sseas.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/faculty/files/sita_and_draupadi.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513083122/http://sseas.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/faculty/files/sita_and_draupadi.pdf |archive-date=13 May 2013 |access-date=1 August 2012 |publisher=University of California, Berkeley}}</ref> Sunayana later gave birth to Urmila on Jaya ekadashi, who is an avatar of goddess ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2012-06-24 |title=Urmila, Urmilā, Ūrmilā: 9 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/urmila |access-date=2022-09-10 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>Dictionary of Hindu Lord and Legend'' ({{ISBN|0-500-51088-1}}) by Anna Dhallapiccola</ref>
⚫ When Sita reached adulthood, Janaka conducted her ], which was won by ]. Alongside the wedding of Rama and Sita, Urmila married Rama's younger brother ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Book 2 (Ayodhya-kanda): Chapter 27 - Princess Sita entreats Rama to allow her to accompany him|url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-ramayana-of-valmiki/d/doc423974.html|work=www.wisdomlib.org|accessdate=20 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Smriti Dewan |year=2021 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IIAlEAAAQBAJ&q=urmila+ramayan |title=Urmila: The Forgotten Princess |isbn=9789390252916}}</ref>

⚫ When Sita reached adulthood, Janaka conducted her ], which was won by ]. Alongside the wedding of Rama and Sita, Urmila married Rama's younger brother ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Book 2 (Ayodhya-kanda): Chapter 27 - Princess Sita entreats Rama to allow her to accompany him|url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-ramayana-of-valmiki/d/doc423974.html|work=www.wisdomlib.org|accessdate=20 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Smriti Dewan |year=2021 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IIAlEAAAQBAJ&q=urmila+ramayan |title=Urmila: The Forgotten Princess |isbn=9789390252916}}</ref>

=== Establishment of Shivalingas ===
{{Main|List of Shiva temples built by King Janaka}}
According to legend, it is said that King Janaka was a great devotee of ]. He established some ] around the corners of the capital city ] for performing his penance in the ancient ]. The four major Shivalingas established by him on the four corners of his capital city Janakpur were ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=प्रभु श्रीराम के मिथिला आगमन से जुड़ा मध्यमा परिक्रमा का इतिहास, जान‍िए कहां-कहां होती है पर‍िक्रमा - History of Madhyama Parikrama related to the arrival of Lord Shri Ram in Mithila know where the Parikrama takes place |url=https://www.jagran.com/bihar/muzaffarpur-history-of-madhyama-parikrama-related-to-the-arrival-of-lord-shri-ram-in-mithila-know-where-the-parikrama-takes-place-22513974.html |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=Jagran |language=hi}}</ref> Similarly he is also credited for building the temples ] at ''Haleshwar Sthan'' in ] and ] at the outskirts of ].


=== Later role in Ayodhya === === Later role in Ayodhya ===
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==Assessment== ==Assessment==
] teaches Brahma Vidya to King Janaka.]] ] teaches Brahma Vidya to King Janaka.]]


Late ] such as '']'' and '']'' mention a certain King Janaka (c. 8th or 7th century BCE) as a great ] of Videha, renowned for his patronage of Vedic culture and philosophy and whose court was an intellectual center for ] sages such as ], ], and ].{{sfn|Raychaudhuri|2006|pp=41–52}} Under his reign, Videha became a dominant political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent.<ref>] (1989), ''Tracing the Vedic dialects'' in ''Dialectes Dans Les literatures Indo-Aryennes'' ed. ], Paris, 97–265.</ref> Late ] such as '']'' and '']'' mention a certain King Janaka (c. 8th or 7th century BCE) as a great ] of Videha, renowned for his patronage of Vedic culture and philosophy and whose court was an intellectual center for ] sages such as ], ], and ].{{sfn|Raychaudhuri|2006|pp=41–52}} Under his reign, Videha became a dominant political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent.<ref>] (1989), ''Tracing the Vedic dialects'' in ''Dialectes Dans Les literatures Indo-Aryennes'' ed. ], Paris, 97–265.</ref>
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] ]


Janaka's conversation with the sage ] is recorded in the ], wherein he is depicted as one who is ] and this was tested by the sage Ashtavakra. Many spiritual teachers have referred to this writing often translating and deducing its meaning.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Vanita|first=Ruth|title=Full of God:Ashtavakra and ideas of Justice in Hindu Text|journal=Religions of South Asia|volume=3|number=2|year=2009|url=https://journals.equinoxpub.com/index.php/ROSA/article/view/6641|access-date=22 February 2017|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024638/https://journals.equinoxpub.com/index.php/ROSA/article/view/6641|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Radhakamal|last=Mukerjee|year=1971|title=The song of the self supreme (Aṣṭāvakragītā): the classical text of Ātmādvaita by Aṣṭāvakra|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ|isbn=978-81-208-1367-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hL-0qeeuVVIC }}</ref> Janaka's conversation with the sage ] is recorded in the ], wherein he is depicted as one who is ] and this was tested by the sage Ashtavakra. Many spiritual teachers have referred to this writing often translating and deducing its meaning.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Vanita|first=Ruth|title=Full of God:Ashtavakra and ideas of Justice in Hindu Text|journal=Religions of South Asia|volume=3|number=2|year=2009|url=https://journals.equinoxpub.com/index.php/ROSA/article/view/6641|access-date=22 February 2017|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024638/https://journals.equinoxpub.com/index.php/ROSA/article/view/6641|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Radhakamal|last=Mukerjee|year=1971|title=The song of the self supreme (Aṣṭāvakragītā): the classical text of Ātmādvaita by Aṣṭāvakra|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ|isbn=978-81-208-1367-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hL-0qeeuVVIC }}</ref> Similarly the philosophical dialogues between the king Janaka and the sage ] is recorded as ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2023-10-25 |title=Parāśara-gītā (Summary) |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/essay/samkhya-thoughts-in-the-mahabharata/d/doc1210290.html |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>


== In popular culture == == In popular culture ==
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* ] portrayed Janaka in the 2018 series '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/node/|title=Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush|website=PINKVILLA|language=en|access-date=2019-08-05|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203010609/https://www.pinkvilla.com/node/|url-status=dead}}</ref> * ] portrayed Janaka in the 2018 series '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/node/|title=Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush|website=PINKVILLA|language=en|access-date=2019-08-05|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203010609/https://www.pinkvilla.com/node/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Jatin Sial portrayed Janaka in the 2021 web series ''Ramyug''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ramyug first impression: Kunal Kohli's retelling of Lord Ram's story misses the mark |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/ramyug-first-impression-kunal-kohli-mx-player-7303122 |website=The Indian Express |access-date=31 July 2023 |language=en |date=6 May 2021}}</ref> * Jatin Sial portrayed Janaka in the 2021 web series ''Ramyug''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ramyug first impression: Kunal Kohli's retelling of Lord Ram's story misses the mark |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/ramyug-first-impression-kunal-kohli-mx-player-7303122 |website=The Indian Express |access-date=31 July 2023 |language=en |date=6 May 2021}}</ref>
* ] portrayed Janaka in the 2024 series '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shrimad Ramayan Review, Episodes 1 and 2: A cinematic visual spectacle on small screen |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/tv/news/shrimad-ramayan-review-episodes-1-and-2-a-cinematic-visual-spectacle-on-small-screen-1269662?amp |access-date=4 January 2024 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en}}</ref> * ] portrayed Janaka in the 2024 series '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shrimad Ramayan Review, Episodes 1 and 2: A cinematic visual spectacle on small screen |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/tv/news/shrimad-ramayan-review-episodes-1-and-2-a-cinematic-visual-spectacle-on-small-screen-1269662?amp |access-date=4 January 2024 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==

Latest revision as of 09:20, 20 November 2024

King of Videha and father of Sita in epic Ramayana

For other uses, see Janaka (disambiguation) and Janak (disambiguation).
Janaka
Portrait of Janaka, c. 1803-1804 CE
Maharaja of Videha
PredecessorHrasvaroman
SuccessorBhanumaan Janaka
BornSiradhvaja
Mithila, Videha
SpouseSunayana
IssueSita
Urmila
HouseVideha
DynastySuryavamsha
FatherHrasvaroman
MotherKeikasi
ReligionHinduism

Janaka (Sanskrit: जनक, IAST: Janaka) is the King of Videha who ruled from Mithila, in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Janaka was married to Sunayana. He is the father of Sita and Urmila in the epic. The term Janaka was also the title adopted by all the kings of Videha, who were the descendants of the King Nimi and his son King Mithi. The King Mithi is considered as the first King of Videha who was titled with the term Janaka.

Janaka is revered as being an ideal example of non-attachment to material possessions. He was intensely interested in spiritual discourse and considered himself free from worldly illusions. His interactions with sages and seekers such as Ashtavakra and Sulabha are recorded in the ancient texts.

Legend

Birth and ancestry

Janaka, originally named Sīradhvaja, was born to King Hrasvaroman of Mithila and his wife Keikasi. The Videha kingdom was situated historically between the Gandaki River to the east, the Mahananda River to the west, the Himalayas to the north, and the Ganga river to the south. Janaka had a younger brother named Kushadhvaja. Upon ascending to the throne as the King of Mithila, Janaka faced an attack from the King of Samkasya, Sudhanvan. In the ensuing war, Janaka emerged victorious by defeating and killing Sudhanvan, after which he appointed his brother Kushadhvaja as the new King of Samkasya.

King Nimi was the first ruler of the Videha kingdom. Janaka was descended from Vishnu in the following order:—Brahmā—Marīci—Kaśyapa—Vivasvān—Vaivasvata—Ikṣvāku—Nimi—Mithi—Udāvasu—Nandivardhana—Suketu—Devarāta—Bṛhadratha—Mahāvīra—Sudhṛti—Dhṛṣṭaketu—Haryaśva—Maru—Pratvantaka—Kīrtiratha—Devamīḍha—Vibudha—Mahīdhraka—Kīrtirāta—Mahāroman—Svarṇaroman—Hrasvaroman—Janaka.

Marriage and children

Janaka carrying Sita to Mithila, after he found her while ploughing
Janaka welcoming Rama and his father Dasharatha to Mithila

Janaka was married to queen Sunayana. According to Ramayana, Janaka and Sunayana found Sita while ploughing as a part of a yagna and adopted her. Sita is considered as an avatar of goddess Lakshmi. Sunayana later gave birth to Urmila on Jaya ekadashi, who is an avatar of goddess Nagalakshmi.

When Sita reached adulthood, Janaka conducted her svayamvara, which was won by Rama. Alongside the wedding of Rama and Sita, Urmila married Rama's younger brother Lakshmana.

Establishment of Shivalingas

Main article: List of Shiva temples built by King Janaka

According to legend, it is said that King Janaka was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He established some Shivalingas around the corners of the capital city Janakpur for performing his penance in the ancient Mithila Kingdom. The four major Shivalingas established by him on the four corners of his capital city Janakpur were Kalyaneshwar Mahadev Mandir, Jaleshwar Mahadev Mandir, Kshireshwar Nath Mahadev Mandir and Sapteshwar Nath Mahadev Mandir. Similarly he is also credited for building the temples Haleshwar Nath Mahadev Mandir at Haleshwar Sthan in Sitamarhi and Kapileshwar Nath Mahadev Mandir at the outskirts of Janakpur Dham.

Later role in Ayodhya

Janaka accompanied Bharata to Chitrakoot, where Bharata went to persuade Rama, Sita and Lakshmana to return to Ayodhya. After Rama returned from the exile and was then crowned the King of Kosala, Janaka became an important figure in his court. Rama would also take Janaka's advice on many important occasions.

Assessment

Yajnavalkya teaches Brahma Vidya to King Janaka.

Late Vedic literature such as Shatapatha Brahmana and Brihadaranyaka Upanishad mention a certain King Janaka (c. 8th or 7th century BCE) as a great philosopher-king of Videha, renowned for his patronage of Vedic culture and philosophy and whose court was an intellectual center for Brahmin sages such as Yajnavalkya, Uddalaka Aruni, and Gargi Vachaknavi. Under his reign, Videha became a dominant political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent.

For his contribution to Mithila region, Janaka is termed a National Hero in Nepal.

Literature

Fresco on the inner walls of a Nirmala Sikh temple depicting Raja Janak, at Naurangabad, Punjab

Janaka's conversation with the sage Ashtavakra is recorded in the Ashtavakra Gita, wherein he is depicted as one who is realised and this was tested by the sage Ashtavakra. Many spiritual teachers have referred to this writing often translating and deducing its meaning. Similarly the philosophical dialogues between the king Janaka and the sage Parashara is recorded as Parashar Gita.

In popular culture

Films

Television

See also

References

  1. ^ Raychaudhuri 2006, pp. 41–52.
  2. Jha, Makhan (1997). Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Prespective. M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. ISBN 978-81-7533-034-4.
  3. "Ramayana | Summary, Characters, & Facts". Encyclopedia Britannica. Archived from the original on 12 April 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2020.
  4. Jha, M. (1997). "Hindu Kingdoms at contextual level". Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective. New Delhi: M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. pp. 27–42. ISBN 9788175330344.
  5. Mishra, V. (1979). Cultural Heritage of Mithila. Allahabad: Mithila Prakasana. p. 13. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  6. Lakshmi Lal (1988). The Ramayana. Orient Longman. p. 20. ISBN 9780861318056.
  7. www.wisdomlib.org (28 January 2019). "Story of Janaka". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  8. Sutherland, Sally J. "Sita and Draupadi, Aggressive Behavior and Female Role-Models in the Sanskrit Epics" (PDF). University of California, Berkeley. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  9. www.wisdomlib.org (24 June 2012). "Urmila, Urmilā, Ūrmilā: 9 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  10. Dictionary of Hindu Lord and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dhallapiccola
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