Shloka 3.14.33

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

Devanagari script

सोऽहं वाससहायस्ते भविष्यामि यदीच्छसि।इदं दुर्गं हि कान्तारं मृगराक्षस सेवितम्।।3.14.33।।सीतां च तात रक्षिष्ये त्वयि याते सलक्ष्मणे।

Transliteration

so 'haṁ vāsa-sahāyas te bhaviṣyāmi yadīcchasi |

idaṁ durgaṁ hi kāntāraṁ mṛga-rākṣasa-sevitam ||3.14.33||

sītāṁ ca tāta rakṣiṣye tvayi yāte sa-lakṣmaṇe |

Translation

If you wish, I shall be your helper in guarding your dwelling. For this wilderness is perilous, frequented by beasts and rākṣasas. And, dear one, when you go away with Lakṣmaṇa, I will protect Sītā.

Context

If you so desire I will be helpful to you in guarding your hut. O dear, it is a difficult forest full of wild animals and demons. When you and Lakshmana are away I will protect Sita.

Characters & Entities

• Jaṭāyu
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sītā
• Kāntāra (forest)
• Rākṣasa

FAQs

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

Dharma is protective responsibility toward the vulnerable and toward a guest/friend’s family. Jaṭāyu offers guardianship as a moral duty, not as a transaction.

What is the narrative situation?

In the forest dwelling, Jaṭāyu volunteers to guard Rāma’s hermitage and specifically to protect Sītā when Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are away.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Jaṭāyu’s courage and seva-bhāva (service-mindedness), expressed as steadfast commitment to protect Sītā in a dangerous wilderness.