Shloka 3.50.11

जटायुरुपदेशः — Jatāyu Confronts Rāvaṇa (Ethical Admonition and Challenge)

Devanagari script

कामं स्वभावो यो यस्य न शक्यः परिमार्जितुम्।।।।न हि दुष्टात्मनामार्यमावसत्यालये चिरम्।

Transliteration

kāmaṃ svabhāvo yo yasya na śakyaḥ parimārjitum || 3.50.11 ||

na hi duṣṭātmanām āryam āvasaty ālaye ciram |

Translation

Truly, whatever a person’s inborn nature may be, it cannot simply be wiped away. Prosperity does not dwell long in the house of the evil-minded.

Context

Indeed, it is not possible to erase the nature of any one, whatever it be. Prosperity does not rest for long in the house of the evil-minded.

Characters & Entities

• Jatāyu
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma teaches that inner character governs outcomes: sustained well-being aligns with noble conduct, while wickedness destabilizes prosperity.

What is the narrative situation?

Jatāyu continues his admonition to Rāvaṇa, framing the abduction as a symptom of ingrained adharma that will not support lasting fortune.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Wisdom and ethical clarity—Jatāyu articulates a general moral law while confronting immediate injustice.