Shloka 3.50.26

जटायुरुपदेशः — Jatāyu Confronts Rāvaṇa (Ethical Admonition and Challenge)

Devanagari script

अवश्यं तु मया कार्यं प्रियं तस्य महात्मनः।।।।जीवितेनापि रामस्य तथा दशरथस्य च।

Transliteration

yuddhyasva yadi śūro 'si muhūrtaṃ tiṣṭha rāvaṇa |

śayiṣyase hato bhūmau yathāpūrvaṃ kharas tathā ||

Translation

If you are truly a hero, then fight—stand your ground for a moment, O Rāvaṇa. Slain, you will lie upon the earth, just as Khara did before.

Context

I should do this important work of those great souls, Rama and Dasaratha, even if it claims my life.

Characters & Entities

• Jatāyu
• Rāvaṇa
• Khara

FAQs

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

Wrongdoing must be confronted, and a so-called hero is tested by facing righteous resistance rather than preying on the vulnerable.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāvaṇa carries off Sītā, Jatāyu challenges him to a direct fight and foretells his fall, recalling Khara’s earlier defeat.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Valor in defense of dharma: Jatāyu chooses combat to protect Sītā and uphold moral order.