Shloka 6.118.19
सीताप्रत्याख्यानम् / Rama’s Post-Victory Address to Sītā (Public Opinion and Royal Duty)
कःपुमांस्तुकुलेजातस्स्त्रयंपरगृहाषिताम् ।तेजस्वीपुनरादद्यात्सुहृल्लेख्येनचेतसा ।।6.118.19।।
kaḥ pumāṃs tu kule jātaḥ striyaṃ paragṛhoṣitām |
tejasvī punar ādad yāt suhṛl-lekhyena cetasā ||6.118.19||
What illustrious man, born in a noble line, would knowingly take back a woman who has dwelt in another man’s house—especially when friends themselves would judge him for it?
"Which eminent man born in a good race will again consciously accept a wife who lived in another's home?"
The verse reflects a social-ethical framework where personal decisions are constrained by communal judgment; dharma is treated as inseparable from public trust and reputation.
Rāma justifies his rejection by appealing to what society—and even well-wishers—would deem acceptable for a royal man.
Concern for honor and social credibility, presented as necessary for a ruler and exemplar of maryādā.