Shloka 3.52.1

सीताहरण-विलापः / The Lament at Jatāyu and the Abduction of Sītā

Devanagari script

सा तु ताराधिपमुखी रावणेन समीक्ष्य तम्।गृध्रराजं विनिहतं विललाप सुदुःखिता।।।।

Transliteration

sā tu tārādhipamukhī rāvaṇena samīkṣya tam |

gṛdhrarājaṃ vinihataṃ vilalāpa suduḥkhitā ||

Translation

But Sītā, moon-faced, seeing the king of vultures struck down by Rāvaṇa, lamented in overwhelming sorrow.

Context

Sita,whose face was like the lord of the stars (Moon), saw Jatayu, king of birds, struck down by Ravana, and lamented in extreme grif :

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• Jatāyu (Gṛdhrarāja)

FAQs

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

To recognize and mourn righteousness harmed by adharma is itself a moral act; lament here becomes truthful witness (satya) to sacrifice.

What is the narrative situation?

A new chapter opens with Sītā seeing Jatāyu felled due to Rāvaṇa’s violence and beginning her lament.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya-informed compassion: Sītā faces the reality of loss and honors Jatāyu’s dharmic act through lament.