Introduction
Janaka, also called Seeradhwaja, is the king of Mithila (Videha) and the father of Sita. He is best known as the ruler who found Sita in a furrow, set the contest of the bow of Shiva and gave his daughters in marriage to the four princes of Ayodhya.
This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.
Family
- Father: Hrasvaroma
- Wife: Sunayana
- Siblings: Kushadhwaja
- Daughters: Sita (found in a furrow; raised as his daughter), Urmila
Finding Sita
While ploughing a field for a sacrifice, Janaka found an infant girl in the furrow. He named her Sita and raised her as his own daughter with his wife.
The bow of Shiva
Janaka possessed the great bow of Shiva, and he announced that his daughter would marry only a man who could string it. Many princes failed. When Vishvamitra brought Rama and Lakshmana to Mithila, Rama lifted and strung the bow, and it broke. Janaka sent messengers to Ayodhya, and the four brothers were married together, with Sita marrying Rama and his other daughter Urmila marrying Lakshmana. His brother Kushadhwaja's daughters married Bharata and Shatrughna.
A philosopher-king
Janaka was known as a rajarshi, a king who was also a sage. In later Sanskrit literature he is known for his knowledge of the Self and for his ability to rule while remaining detached from power.