Shloka 3.50.2

जटायुरुपदेशः — Jatāyu Confronts Rāvaṇa (Ethical Admonition and Challenge)

Devanagari script

ततः पर्वतकूटाभस्तीक्ष्णतुण्डः खगोत्तमः।वनस्पतिगतश्श्रीमान्व्याजहार शुभां गिरम्।।।।

Transliteration

vṛddho 'haṃ tvaṃ yuvā dhanvī saśaraḥ kavacī rathī | tathāpy ādāya vaidehīṃ kuśalī na gamiṣyasi ||

Translation

I am old; you are young—armed with bow and arrows, armored, and mounted on a chariot. Even so, carrying off Vaidehī, you will not depart in safety.

Context

Glorious Jatayu, the best among the birds, looked like the peak of a mountain.His beak was sharp. His words were auspious. He spoke from the top of the tree:

Characters & Entities

• Jatāyu
• Rāvaṇa
• Vaidehī (Sītā)

FAQs

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

Dharma demands intervention even against stronger force: age or disadvantage does not excuse silence when injustice is occurring.

What is the narrative situation?

Jatāyu declares his resolve to prevent the abduction, despite Rāvaṇa’s superior youth and weaponry.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vīrya (valor) in service of righteousness.