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Janak
The Philosopher King of Mithila

Janak was the philosopher king of Videha whose capital was Mithila, the present Janakpur in Terai of Nepal. He is known as a philosopher more than as a King. So he is aptly called a philosopher-king. He will be remembered for his outstanding contributions to the enrichment of Hindu Philosophy for the generation to come.

There was a great sage whose name was Yajnavalkya. The philosopher king Janak is regarded as a preceptor as well as a disciple of this world renowned scholar. There is a legend related to the wisdom of Yajnavalkya. He used to take bath in the cool waters of the near by river in the early hours of every morning. He was very famous scholar. So his disciplines were fond of his discoursed for their benefit. It so happened, one morning that his disciples noticed that he was constantly looking at the door. Their Guru Yajnavalkya was expecting some one in his discourse. After some time Janak appeared there listen to the discourses. This event became an object of jealousy for some disciples. They charged him that he was giving special favor to Janak. They thought that all disciples should be treated equally by a spiritual Guru like him. They decided to ask the reason for this special favor given to Janak.

One of them asked, ’Why have you given special favor to Janak? You should not favour anybody particularly.’

The great sage answered in the negative. He further said. “ I have not given any special favour to anybody. I know my duty very well. I am not supposed to give special favour to any body. You should know that Janaka is not only a king and philosopher but he is a perfect human being. He is free from earthly lust. He is not indulged in worldly pleasures. He is Videl ( body less ) and selfless. So he is free from all sorts of earthly sins. He is himself a great scholar as well as profound philosopher.

There is also another legend relating to king Janaka which proves that he was not worried at all on worldly loss and gain. Yajnavalkya was once giving sermons to his disciples. Janaka was also present in that discourses. A royal messenger came to inform that he palace was on fire. They all were confused on hearing this. They ran away towards the palace but Janak was sitting alone there. They all were worried about their relatives but Janaka was undisturbed. He was neither puzzled nor perplexed. He was waiting for the settlement of all things normally.

The messenger thought that king Janaka had not heard this news. So he repeated the news in loud voice. Jajaka replied the he had heard the news. But to me the golden words of wisdom are more valuable than the earthly wealth. So I am undisturbed. I believe, what is looted can not be blotted. Every thing is dependable on the sweet will of God. I have also deputed many people to protect the palace. So why should I go mad. If God is kind all is favorable.

After hearing these words of form determination even Yajanavalkya was also surprised. He was pleased with king Janaka’s firm decision. All disciples were astonished at this event. They never doubted about the wisdom of Janaka since then. That’s why king Janaka is regarded as one of the greatest sage kings of our country.

According to the upanishad king Janaka once convened a philosophical discourse under the leadership of Yajnavalkya. Many scholars from far and wide and of different schools of thought participated. Woman philosophers like Gargi and Maitrei also participated in that discourse competition. They challenged even wise scholar like Yajnavalkya. The topic of the discourse was the Atma (Soul) and Parmatma (God). This discourse proves that women of Mithila were also famous scholars.

Janakpur was the centre of learning in the ancient times. Many scholars used to attend the learning chamber of great scholar Yajnavalkya. It was the king Janaka who inspired and encoursged such type of intellectual discourse in hid reign because he was himself a well-known scholar. He was also the well known foster father of Sita.

According to the Brihadaranyaka upanished king Janaka was also very generous. He bestowed upon Yajnavalkya a royal prize in 5 padas of gold attached to each of the horn of 1,000 cows. He will not be remembered as a king and world renowned scholar but as an ideal ruler of Nepal who introduced metallic currency. He is one of our national heroes. He is also mythical Maithili king of Videha. He will be remembered and respected by not only Maithili people but by Nepalese people also.