Shloka 3.50.1

जटायुरुपदेशः — Jatāyu Confronts Rāvaṇa (Ethical Admonition and Challenge)

Devanagari script

तं शब्दमवसुप्तस्तु जटायुरथ शुश्रुवे।निरीक्ष्य रावणं क्षिप्रं वैदेहीं च ददर्श सः।।।।

Transliteration

taṃ śabdam avasuptas tu jaṭāyur atha śuśruve |

nirīkṣya rāvaṇaṃ kṣipraṃ vaidehīṃ ca dadarśa saḥ || 3.50.1 ||

Translation

Jatāyu, who was resting, heard that cry; looking up at once, he saw Rāvaṇa and Vaidehī (Sītā).

Context

While reposing, Jatayu heard the cry and at once looked up and saw Ravana and Vaidehi.

Characters & Entities

• Jatāyu
• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā (Vaidehī)

FAQs

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

Dharma begins with responsiveness to adharma: hearing a distress-cry, the righteous do not remain indifferent but immediately investigate and act.

What is the narrative situation?

During Sītā’s abduction, Jatāyu hears her cry and immediately sees Rāvaṇa carrying her away.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Jatāyu’s vigilance and protective duty (rakṣā-dharma) toward the vulnerable.