Shloka 3.50.5

जटायुरुपदेशः — Jatāyu Confronts Rāvaṇa (Ethical Admonition and Challenge)

Devanagari script

तस्यैषा लोकनाथस्य धर्मपत्नी यशस्विनी।सीता नाम वरारोहा यां त्वं हर्तुमिहेच्छसि।।।।

Transliteration

avaśyaṃ tu mayā kāryaṃ priyaṃ tasya mahātmanaḥ |

jīvitenāpi rāmasya tathā daśarathasya ca ||

Translation

I must surely do what is dear and fitting for the great-souled Rāma—and for Daśaratha as well—even if it costs me my life.

Context

The lady you want to abduct from here is the famous Sita, the lawful wife of Rama, the lord of the world.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Rāvaṇa
• Jatāyu

FAQs

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

Dharma as duty (kartavya) may require personal sacrifice; loyalty to the righteous is upheld even at the cost of life.

What is the narrative situation?

Before engaging Rāvaṇa, Jatāyu declares his resolve to act for Rāma’s good and in honor of Daśaratha’s line.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Niṣkāma-sevā (selfless service): action motivated by righteousness rather than self-preservation.