Janaka

Janaka (Sanskrit जनक janaka m. ) Is a figure of the Indian epic Ramayana, king of Mithila at today Tirhut. He is the father of Sita, wife of Rama. After him, the modern city is named Janakpur in Nepal. The sources mention besides other kings named Janaka who ruled in Mithila.

Myth

Janaka is a descendant of Nimi, the second- eldest son of Ikshvaku and belongs to the mythical sun dynasty. He is described as wise and kind and was well versed in philosophy. He arranged a competition among all the sages of India, in which Yajnavalkya won, which has since served as a priest in the royal court and consultant.

King Janaka was childless and therefore sacrificed for posterity. In the ritual plowing of the earth sprang a girl he took as his daughter and Sita " furrow " called.

When Sita was of marriageable age, Janaka held a contest. The task was to draw the bow, the God Shiva. Rama achieved this as the only, while even broke the bow. Then married Rama and Sita.

According to some sources Janaka had a second daughter, Urmila, who married Rama's brother Lakshmana.