Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Mithila included the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani that was translated into English in 1975. The Puranas have for centuries profoundly influenced Indian life and Culture and are defined by their characteristic features (panca-lakshana, literally, ‘the five characteristics of a Purana’).
Story of Mithilā
General information.
A celebrated country of ancient Bhārata. This is situated on the north-eastern side of Bhārata. Its modern name is Tirhut. Mithilā was ruled by the renowned Janaka Kings. See under Mithi to know how the country got the name Mithilā.
The-wealth of Mithilā.
Mithilā was the capital of the extensive country of Videha. Successive generations of Janaka ruled the country. Mithilā was noted more for its sāttvic virtues than for the pomp and glory of kings. Everyday on the protruding breasts of an idol of Rājasa-rājalakṣmī (embodiment of royal prosperity) bhasma (ashes) and candana (sandalwood paste) would be smeared. In the middle of Tretāyuga Videha was ruled by a Janaka who brought fame and prosperity to the successive generations. A devotee of Śiva and of a sāttvic disposition he was a Nityabrahmacārī (observing celibacy throughout life) and his wife a disciple of Maitreyī and well-versed in Advaitavedānta was a Nit abrahmacāriṇī.
Videha grew prosperous with agricultural wealth by hard work put up by the peasants and divine wealth by the virtuous deeds of the King and the people. Agriculture was given importance, so much so that the royal emblem itself was the figure of a plough. Rains were there in season and in plenty because of the yāgas conducted properly by the King. (Bālakāṇḍa, Kamba Rāmāyaṇa).
Other details.
(i) Once Pāṇḍu, father of the Pāṇḍavas, attacked this country and conquered it. (Śloka 28, Chapter 112, Ādi Parva).
(ii) Śrī Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna and Bhīma once visited this country when they were on their way to Magadha from Indraprastha. (Śloka 28, Chapter 20, Sabhā Parva).
(iii) Karṇa once conquered and captured the country of Mithilā. (Śloka 8, Chapter 254, Vana Parva).
(iv) Sītā was born in Mithilā. (Śloka 9, Chapter 274, Vana Parva).
(v) Because she was born in Mithilā she is known by the name of Maithilī. (Śloka 2, Chapter 277. Vana Parva).
(vi) Once Mithilā was ruled by a King called Dharmadhvaja. Hearing about his great Dharmajñāna (knowledge about virtues and duties) a female ascetic named Sulabhā visited him in the guise of a beggar woman. (Śloka 4, Chapter 320, Śānti Parva).
(vii) Śuka the great sage, with the permission of his father Vyāsa came to Mithilā and took Dharmopadeśa from King Janaka. (Śloka 6, Chapter 325. Śānti Parva).