Janaka

Family: Videha · Role: king · First appears: Chapter VIII

In Chapter VIII, at Videha, Janaka took Annapāna’s mother as his spouse, and they had a son named Annapāna. When Annapāna had grown up, his mother stopped complying with Janaka’s wishes. Janaka later married the daughter of the king of Aparāntaka, promising that their son would inherit the throne; when Rājyābhinanda was born, his maternal grandfather threatened Janaka with an invading army. Later, the ministers recognized Bahvannapāna as their prince and consecrated him king under the name Janaka.

Janaka appointed Mahaushadha minister, granting him ministerial power and granting Pūrṇa a village. After Mahaushadha restored the realm’s allegiance, Janaka gave him his daughter in marriage. When she accused Mahaushadha of adultery and stealing the king’s peacock, Janaka ordered his execution; after learning Mahaushadha was innocent, he ordered him released and honoured him. Janaka also approved Mahaushadha’s request to marry Viśākhā, and later married Aushadhī after Mahaushadha brought her from Panchāla. When Māṭhara exposed the ministers’ conspiracy, Janaka banished them from the country.