Shloka 27
जटायुवृत्तान्तः
Jatāyu’s Testimony and Rāma’s Grief
अयं पितृवयस्यो मे गृध्रराजो जरान्वितः।शेते विनिहतो भूमौ मम भाग्यविपर्ययात्।।।।
ayaṃ pitṛvayasyo me gṛdhrarājo jarānvitaḥ |
śete vinihato bhūmau mama bhāgyaviparyayāt ||
Dieser König der Geier—alt und ein Freund meines Vaters—liegt erschlagen auf der Erde, weil sich mein Geschick gegen mich gewandt hat.
This aged king of birds is my father's friend. To my ill-luck, he is struck down and is lying on the ground.
FAQs
Dharma stresses honoring elders and allies: Rāma recognizes Jatāyu’s relational and moral status (father’s friend) and treats his death as a grave, meaningful loss.
Rāma identifies the fallen Jatāyu to Lakṣmaṇa, emphasizing Jatāyu’s age and his bond with Rāma’s father.
Respect for elders (guru-vṛddha-sammāna) and gratitude toward those who uphold dharma even at personal cost.