Devarata Janaka

Background

Devarata Janaka, a king of the Videha Kingdom, was the sixth in line from King Nimi in the Janaka Dynasty. He was a descendant of Ikshwaku and succeeded his father Suketu to the throne. According to the Valmiki Ramayana, Devarata Janaka was entrusted with the safekeeping of Lord Shiva’s divine bow, Pinaka. The story of this bow was later recounted by Shreedwaja Janaka, Sita’s father, at the swayamvar of Rama and Sita. He explained that during the destruction of Daksha’s Yagya, Lord Shiva threatened to cut off the heads of the Devatas with his bow for failing to offer him a share. After the Devatas apologized, Shiva gifted them the bow, which they eventually gave to Devarata. The lineage began when Mithi was born from the lifeless body of King Nimi, becoming the first Janaka. Mithi’s son was Udavasu, followed by Nandivardhana, then Suketu, and finally Devarata. The Mithila Mahatmya, part of the Brihadvishnupurana, describes Mithila as the land of Devarata Janaka.

Did You Know?

• He became king of Videha after his father Suketu, who is also known as Sukesha.
• In the Mithila Mahatmya (section of Brihadvishnupurana), Mithila is described as the land of Devarata Janaka in Shloka number 48.