Shloka 6.118.22

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

Devanagari script

तदद्यव्याहृतंभद्रेमयैतत् कृतबुधदिना ।लक्ष्मणेनाथभरतेकुरुबुधदिंयथासुखम् ।।6.118.22।।

Transliteration

śatrughne vātha sugrīve rākṣase vā vibhīṣaṇe |

niveśaya manaḥ sīte yathā vā sukham ātmanaḥ ||6.118.23||

Translation

O Sītā, set your mind on dwelling with Śatrughna, or with Sugrīva, or even among the Rākṣasas with Vibhīṣaṇa—wherever you yourself would find ease and peace.

Context

" Auspicious one! This utterance has been thought over well today. You may go wherever you find happiness, either to Lakshmana or else to Bharata. Think well and do."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Śatrughna
• Sugrīva
• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

The verse continues the theme of dharma as social placement and protection—directing Sītā toward recognized guardians/allies, underscoring the king’s concern for publicly acceptable arrangements.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma lists possible refuges for Sītā among his kin and allies, including Vibhīṣaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Political prudence and concern for order: Rāma frames choices within networks of legitimate protection.