Shloka 6.118.4

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

Devanagari script

अद्यमेपौरुषंदृष्टमद्यमेसफल्श्रमः ।अद्यतीर्णप्रतिज्ञोऽत्वाप्रभवाम्यद्यचात्मनः ।।6.118.4।।

Transliteration

samprāptam avamānaṁ yas tejasā na pramārjati |

kas tasya puruṣārtho mahatāpy alpa-cetasaḥ ||6.118.6||

Translation

If one does not, by one’s own strength, wipe away the insult that has befallen him, what use is even great prowess to a man of petty mind?

Context

"Now you see the result of my effort. I am successful and fulfilled my vow. Today I am independent."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā

FAQs

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

The verse presents a duty-based ethic of honor: strength and status are meaningful only when used to uphold dignity and counter wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma justifies the necessity of his campaign by arguing that ignoring grave insult would render valor pointless.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-respect anchored in duty: using power for principled restoration of order, not for vanity.