Shloka 6.118.20

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

Devanagari script

रावणाङ्कपरिक्लिष्टांदृष्टांदुष्टेनचक्षुषा ।कथंत्वापुनरादद्यांकुलंव्यपदिशन् महत् ।।6.118.20।।

Transliteration

tad-arthaṃ nirjitā me tvaṃ yaśaḥ pratyāhṛtaṃ mayā |

nāsti me tvayy abhiṣvaṅgo yatheṣṭaṃ gamyatām itaḥ ||6.118.21||

Translation

For that purpose alone you have been won back by me, and my honor retrieved. I have no attachment to you now—go from here wherever you wish.

Context

"You are thrown out of the arms of Ravana. You have been seen by him with lustful eyes, have been seen by all with evil eyes. How can one born in a great race accept you again?"

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• yaśas (honor)

FAQs

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

Dharma is presented as restoration of honor and removal of blame; the personal relationship is subordinated to what Rāma claims is the moral-political necessity of reputation.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma states that the rescue served to restore his honor, and he dismisses Sītā publicly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Austere commitment to an ideal of kingship, even at the cost of personal affection.