Shloka 16
सीताप्रत्याख्यानम् / Rama’s Post-Victory Address to Sītā
Public Opinion and Royal Duty
विदितश्चास्तुभत्रंतेयोऽयंरणपरिश्रमः ।सुतीर्णःसुहृदांवीर्यान्नत्वदर्थंमयाकृतः ।।6.118.15।।रक्षतातुमयावृत्तपमवादं च सर्वतः ।प्रख्यातस्यात्मवंशस्यव्यङ्ग्यं च परिमार्जता ।।6.118.16।।
rakṣatā tu mayā vṛttam apavādaṃ ca sarvataḥ |
prakhyātasyātma-vaṃśasya vyaṅgyaṃ ca parimārjatā ||6.118.16||
Trái lại, ta hành động để gìn giữ đạo hạnh và ngăn mọi lời dị nghị bủa vây—gột sạch vết nhơ có thể phủ lên dòng tộc ta vốn lừng danh.
"Sita! This effort in carrying out with the assistance of valiant friends is not done for your sake. Let it be known to you. I have done this to protect good conduct and my illustrious race from scandal and rid of obloquy from all sides."
FAQs
The verse highlights the dharmic concern for safeguarding social trust—protecting righteous conduct and preventing public scandal that could undermine the credibility of a royal lineage.
Rāma explains his motive for the war and rescue in terms of preventing reproach and preserving the moral standing of his house.
Commitment to public accountability: Rāma prioritizes the perceived integrity of conduct expected of an ideal king.