Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 118, Shloka 25
सीताप्रत्याख्यानम् / Rama’s Post-Victory Address to Sītā
Public Opinion and Royal Duty
tataḥ priyāraha-śravaṇātad-apriyaṁ paryādupaśrutya ciraṁ sā maithilī | mumoca bāṣpaṁ subhṛśaṁ pravepitā gajenadāra-hasta-ābhihatā iva sallakī ||
Then, hearing from her beloved words painful to hear, Maithilī wept for a long time—she trembled violently and shed abundant tears, like a creeper struck by the trunk-hand of a mighty elephant.
"In the same way even Vibheeshana's hard work leaving his brother devoid of good qualities and coming to me on his own has given success."
FAQs
Dharma includes empathy: the text foregrounds the human cost of harsh speech, reminding that righteousness must also consider compassion and the harm caused by words.
Immediately after Rāma’s severe remarks, Sītā reacts with shock and grief, trembling and weeping uncontrollably.
Endurance amid suffering: Sītā’s capacity to bear emotional injury, while remaining steadfast to truth, is highlighted through poignant imagery.