Shloka 6.121.15

अग्निपरीक्षासाक्ष्यं (Agni’s Testimony and Sītā’s Revalidation)

Devanagari script

अनन्यहृदयांभक्तांमच्चित्तपरिवर्तिनीम् ।अहमप्यवगच्छामिमैथिलींजनकात्मजाम् ।।।।

Transliteration

bāliśo khalu kāmātmā rāmo daśarathātmajaḥ |

iti vakṣyanti māṁ santaḥ jānakīm aviśodhya hi ||

Translation

‘Rāma, Daśaratha’s son, is surely foolish—ruled by desire’: thus, people would speak of me, if I were to accept Jānakī without testing her purity.

Context

"I also know that Mythili is ever coming around me with undivided love and is devoted to me."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Jānakī (Sītā)

FAQs

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

For a ruler, dharma includes guarding public trust: personal affection cannot override the need to remove doubt and uphold moral legitimacy.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma anticipates criticism that he would be desire-driven if he accepted Sītā without a public vindication.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Maryādā (propriety) and accountability—Rāma prioritizes ethical governance over personal impulse.