Shloka 6.118.21

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

Devanagari script

तदर्थंनिर्जितामेत्वंयशःप्रत्याहृतंमया ।नास्तिमेत्यय्यभिष्वङ्गोयथेष्टंगम्यतामितः ।।6.118.21।।

Transliteration

tad adya vyāhṛtaṃ bhadre mayā etat kṛta-buddhinā |

lakṣmaṇenātha bharate kuru buddhiṃ yathā-sukham ||6.118.22||

Translation

Auspicious one, this has been spoken by me today with deliberation. Set your mind as you please—toward Lakṣmaṇa, or else toward Bharata—where you think you will find well-being.

Context

"The reason for winning you back is to get rid of the insult. Now I have no interest in you. You may go to the place of your choice."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Bharata

FAQs

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

The verse portrays dharma as socially situated: Rāma proposes alternative guardianship within the royal family, reflecting norms of protection and propriety.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma suggests Sītā may choose to live under the protection of Lakṣmaṇa or Bharata.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Deliberation and resolve (kṛta-buddhi): Rāma claims his speech is not impulsive but principled.