Shloka 6.118.16

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

Devanagari script

विदितश्चास्तुभत्रंतेयोऽयंरणपरिश्रमः ।सुतीर्णःसुहृदांवीर्यान्नत्वदर्थंमयाकृतः ।।6.118.15।।रक्षतातुमयावृत्तपमवादं च सर्वतः ।प्रख्यातस्यात्मवंशस्यव्यङ्ग्यं च परिमार्जता ।।6.118.16।।

Transliteration

rakṣatā tu mayā vṛttam apavādaṃ ca sarvataḥ |

prakhyātasyātma-vaṃśasya vyaṅgyaṃ ca parimārjatā ||6.118.16||

Translation

Rather, I acted to safeguard proper conduct and to ward off scandal from every side—cleansing the taint that could fall upon my renowned lineage.

Context

"Sita! This effort in carrying out with the assistance of valiant friends is not done for your sake. Let it be known to you. I have done this to protect good conduct and my illustrious race from scandal and rid of obloquy from all sides."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• ātma-vaṃśa (Rāma’s lineage)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the dharmic concern for safeguarding social trust—protecting righteous conduct and preventing public scandal that could undermine the credibility of a royal lineage.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma explains his motive for the war and rescue in terms of preventing reproach and preserving the moral standing of his house.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to public accountability: Rāma prioritizes the perceived integrity of conduct expected of an ideal king.