Shloka 3.14.3

जटायुस्संवादः — Encounter with Jaṭāyu and the Genealogy of Beings (Aranyakanda 14)

Devanagari script

स तौ मधुरया वाचा सौम्यया प्रीणयन्निव।उवाच वत्स मां विद्धि वयस्यं पितुरात्मनः।।3.14.3।।

Transliteration

sa tau madhurayā vācā saumyayā prīṇayann iva |

uvāca vatsa māṁ viddhi vayasyaṁ pitur ātmanaḥ ||3.14.3||

Translation

He, as though delighting them, spoke to the two in a sweet and gentle voice: “Dear child, know me as a friend of your father.”

Context

With a sweet, pleasing, and gentle voice he said to both of them, O dear know me to be a friend of your father.

Characters & Entities

• Jaṭāyu
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Daśaratha

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma here is courteous, truthful self-introduction and relationship-building grounded in prior bonds. Social righteousness begins with gentle speech and honesty (satya).

What is the narrative situation?

Jaṭāyu meets Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa in the forest and identifies himself as Daśaratha’s friend to establish trust and protection.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Jaṭāyu’s benevolence and respectful speech (mādhurya, saumyatā), virtues that support dharmic alliance.