Shloka 6.118.11

सीताप्रत्याख्यानम् / Rama’s Post-Victory Address to Sītā (Public Opinion and Royal Duty)

Devanagari script

पश्यतस्तांतुरामस्यसमीपेहृदयप्रियाम् ।जनवादभयाद्राज्ञोबभूवहृदयंद्विधा ।।6.118.11।।

Transliteration

paśyatas tāṃ tu rāmasya samīpe hṛdaya-priyām | jana-vāda-bhayād rājño babhūva hṛdayaṃ dvidhā ||

Translation

Even as Rāma looked upon her—so dear to his heart, standing close—fear of public talk split the king’s heart in two.

Context

Rama was already hurt and on seeing Sita who was dear to his heart nearby, he was burning with the fear of public opinion.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• jana-vāda (public opinion)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Rājadharma: a ruler must consider societal trust and public moral order, even when it causes personal anguish.

What is the narrative situation?

With Sītā near, Rāma’s love conflicts with anxiety about public suspicion and rumor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s commitment to accountability—his awareness that kingship is judged by the people’s confidence.