Janaka

Janaka (Sanskrit: जनक, IAST: Janaka) was the King of Videha, who ruled from its capital, Mithila, in the Hindu itihasaRamayana. Janaka was married to Sunayana. He is the father of Sita and Urmila in the epic. The term Janaka was also the title adopted by all the kings of Videha, who were the descendants of the King Nimi and his son King Mithi. "King Mithi is considered the first king of Videha to bear the title Janaka.

Janaka is revered as being an ideal example of non-attachment to material possessions. He was intensely interested in spiritual discourse and considered himself free from worldly illusions. His interactions with sages and seekers such as Ashtavakra and Sulabha are recorded in the ancient texts.