Shloka 3.50.4

जटायुरुपदेशः — Jatāyu Confronts Rāvaṇa (Ethical Admonition and Challenge)

Devanagari script

राजा सर्वस्य लोकस्य महेन्द्रवरुणोपमः।लोकानां च हिते युक्तो रामो दशरथात्मजः।।।।

Transliteration

na hi me jīvamānasya nayiṣyasi śubhām imām |

sītāṃ kamalapatrākṣīṃ rāmasya mahiṣīṃ priyām ||

Translation

So long as I live, you will not take this auspicious Sītā—lotus-eyed, the beloved queen-consort of Rāma—away with you.

Context

Rama, Dasaratha's son, is the king of the entire world. He is equal to Indra and Varuna. He is ever engaged in the welfare of the entire world.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Rāvaṇa
• Jatāyu

FAQs

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

Dharma demands active protection of the vulnerable and fidelity to rightful relationships—Sītā is honored as Rāma’s lawful, beloved consort.

What is the narrative situation?

Jatāyu openly blocks the abduction, declaring that Rāvaṇa cannot succeed while he still has life.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-sacrificial guardianship: Jatāyu’s readiness to stake his life to defend Sītā.