Shloka 50
Sūrya’s Counsel to Karṇa on Indra’s Intended Request
Kuṇḍala–Kavaca Discourse
ततो दग्धाविमौ पक्षौ न दग्धौ तु जटायुष: । तदा मे चिरदृष्ट: स भ्राता गृध्रपति: प्रिय:
tato dagdhāv imau pakṣau na dagdhau tu jaṭāyuṣaḥ | tadā me ciradṛṣṭaḥ sa bhrātā gṛdhrapatiḥ priyaḥ ||
“Then these two wings were burnt, but Jatāyus himself was not burnt. At that moment I beheld again—after a long time—my beloved brother, Jatāyus, the lord of vultures.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfast courage and devotion to duty: even when one’s powers or instruments (the wings) are damaged, the person’s resolve and identity as a protector can remain unbroken. It also underscores the ethical value of loyalty and kinship—recognizing and honoring a long-unseen, beloved ally.
Mārkaṇḍeya narrates an episode in which two wings are burned, yet Jaṭāyus himself is not consumed. At that moment the speaker recognizes Jaṭāyus—his dear brother and the king of vultures—whom he has not seen for a long time.