Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 115

Meaning

Looking intently on the aforesaid princess of Mithilā, who stood by his side bent low, Śrī Rāma for his part proceeded forthwith to give expression (as under) to the feelings concealed in his heart: (1)

Meaning

“You stand here won back by me after conquering the enemy on the field of battle, O blessed one! That which was worth doing for me through human effort has been accomplished by me. (2)

Meaning

“I have attained the reward of my indignation; nay, the wanton offence given to me by your abduction has been fully requited and the indignity offered to me as also the enemy, who did it, have been wiped out all at once by me. (3)

Meaning

“Today my manliness has been witnessed, today my exertion has become fruitful, today I have fulfilled my vow and today I am the master of myself once more. (4)

Meaning

“The wrong done to you, in that you, when you were quite alone, were borne away by the fickle-minded ogre (Rāvaṇa), which was ordained by destiny, has been repaid by me, a mortal. (5)

Meaning

“What purpose will be served by the prowess, however great, of that petty-minded fellow who does not avenge by his might the insult suffered by him. (6)

Meaning

“Nay, the laudable achievement of the celebrated Hanumān in the shape of leaping across the sea and the devastation of Laṅkā has borne fruit today. (7)

Meaning

“The exertion of Sugrīva, who exhibited his prowess on the battlefield with his army, and tendered friendly counsel, is fruitful today. (8)

Meaning

“Nay, fruitful likewise is the exertion today of Vibhīṣaṇa, who personally sought my presence, deserting his own brother (Rāvaṇa), who was devoid of virtues.” (9)

Meaning

Hearing the foregoing speech of Śrī Rāma, even while he was speaking as aforesaid, Sītā, her eyes wide open like those of a female deer, was bathed in tears. (10)

Meaning

The heart of King Śrī Rāma, even as he beheld Sītā, the beloved of his heart, near him, was torn within him for fear of public sarcasm. (11)

Meaning

In the midst of monkeys and ogres present on the spot he actually spoke (as follows) to Sītā, whose eyes resembled the petals of a lotus, who wore dark curly hair on her head and was endowed with shapely limbs: (12)

Meaning

“That which ought to be done by a man, revenging an insult, has been accomplished by me by killing Rāvaṇa, seeking, as I did, to redeem my honour. (13)

Meaning

Though difficult to approach for the world of mortals for fear of Rāvaṇa, you have been won back by me whose mind stands purified by asceticism in the same way as the southern quarter, which was difficult to assail (for fear of the ogres Ilvala and Vātāpi) for mortals was conquered by Sage Agastya, who had realized his Self through austerities. (14)

Meaning

“Let it be known to you that all this exertion in the shape of war, which has been successfully carried through, thanks to the prowess of my friends (the monkeys and Vibhīṣaṇa), was not undertaken for your sake: may prosperity attend you! (15)

Meaning

“This was, however, done by me in order to vindicate my good conduct and wipe off the obloquy coming to me from all sides as well as the stigma on my illustrious House. (16)

Meaning

“Standing unabashed before me, even though suspicion has arisen with regard to your character, you are extremely disagreeable to me even as a light to one who is suffering from sore eyes. (17)

Meaning

“Therefore, go wherever you like, O Janaka’s daughter; I grant you leave to do so this very day. All these ten directions are open to you, O good lady! No more purpose of mine remains to be served by you. (18)

Meaning

“What man of spirit and born in a noble family for his part would take back with an eager mind a woman who has dwelt in another’s house, simply because she has been kindly disposed towards him in the past? (19)

Meaning

“While boasting of my lineage, how can I accept again you, who were squeezed into the arms of Rāvaṇa (while being borne away by him) and regarded by him with an evil lustful eye? (20)

Meaning

“That object, viz., the retrieval of my lost honour for which you have been won back by me, has been achieved by me. There is no more attachment for you in my heart. You may, therefore, go wherever you like. (21)

Meaning

“Hence this utterance has been made by me today, resolved as I am to act accordingly. Set your mind on Lakṣmaṇa or even on Bharata according to your pleasure. (22)

Meaning

Nay, fix your mind on Śatrughna or even on Sugrīva or on the ogre, Vibhīṣaṇa, O Sītā, or do as it pleases your mind. (23)

Meaning

“Seeing you, who are endowed with a charming exterior and are so soul-ravishing, detained in his abode, Rāvaṇa could not have endured your separation for long, O Sītā!” (24)

Meaning

Hearing that unpalatable speech from the mouth of her beloved lord, the proud lady, who had been used to hearing pleasing words alone, thereupon shed tears for long on that occasion, weeping bitterly and looking like a creeper struck down by the proboscis of a lordly elephant. (25)