[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c8.895 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.895 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c8.895 - **Language:** English ### [c8.895](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.895) MITHILĀ. 1) 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. 2) 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 up by the peasants and divine wealth by the virtuous deeds of the King and the people. Agri- - [Previous: c8.894](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.894) - [Next: c8.896](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.896) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.895](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.895) · Pramāṇa