Shloka 6.118.12
सीताप्रत्याख्यानम् / Rama’s Post-Victory Address to Sītā (Public Opinion and Royal Duty)
सीतामुत्पलपत्राक्षींनीलकुञ्चितमूर्थजाम् ।अवदद्वैवरारोहंमध्येवानररक्षसाम् ।।6.118.12।।
sītām utpala-patrākṣīṃ nīla-kuñcita-mūrdhajām | avadad vai varārohāṃ madhye vānararakṣasām ||
In the midst of Vānaras and Rākṣasas, Rāma spoke to Sītā—lotus-petaled in eyes, dark-curled in hair, and graceful in form—his words heavy with a strained heart.
In the midst of Vanaras and Rakshasas, Rama spoke with great discomfort to Sita whose eyes were like lotus petals and hair was dark and curly and whose limbs were beautiful.
Dharma in public speech: actions and words of leaders occur before witnesses; moral judgment and social legitimacy are shaped in the assembly.
Rāma addresses Sītā publicly, with allies and former enemies present, intensifying the stakes of his words.
Rāma’s willingness to face scrutiny openly—though emotionally painful, he does not hide the issue from the public sphere.