Chapter 24 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 24

Valmiki Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda

Verse 24.10

भर्तुः किल परित्यागो नृशंसः केवलं स्त्रियाः। स भवत्या न कर्तव्यो मनसापि विगर्हितः॥

bhartuḥ kila parityāgo nṛśaṃsaḥ kevalaṃ striyāḥ| sa bhavatyā na kartavyo manasāpi vigarhitaḥ||

English Meaning

There is nothing more cruel for women than the forsaking of their husband; it does not behove you therefore, to think even of this opprobrious action.

M.N. Dutt (1891–94, public domain)