Lord Rāmacandra’s Charity, Sītā’s Departure, and the Lord’s Return to Vaikuṇṭha
इत्ययं तदलङ्कारवासोभ्यामवशेषित: । तथा राज्ञ्यपि वैदेही सौमङ्गल्यावशेषिता ॥ ४ ॥
ity ayaṁ tad-alaṅkāra- vāsobhyām avaśeṣitaḥ tathā rājñy api vaidehī saumaṅgalyāvaśeṣitā
After giving everything in charity to the brāhmaṇas, Lord Rāmacandra kept only His own garments and ornaments. Similarly, Queen Vaidehī, Mother Sītā, was left with only her auspicious nose ornament, and nothing else.
This verse notes that Vaidehī (Sītā) retained only her saumaṅgalya—her auspicious marital insignia—highlighting her chastity, dignity, and adherence to dharma even amid hardship.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks this verse while narrating the royal dynasties and their exemplary conduct to King Parīkṣit.
The verse underscores impermanence and restraint: status and possessions can diminish, but dharma, character, and inner auspiciousness remain the true wealth to preserve.