Shloka 3.53.3

सीताविलापः रावणनिन्दा च (Sita’s Lament and Condemnation of Ravana)

Devanagari script

न व्यपत्रपसे नीच कर्मणानेन रावण।ज्ञात्वा विरहितां यन्मां चोरयित्वा पलायसे।।3.53.3।।

Transliteration

yo hi mām udyatas trātuṃ so 'py ayaṃ vinipātitaḥ |

gṛdhrarājaḥ purāṇo 'sau śvaśurasya sakhā mama ||3.53.5||

Translation

Even he who rose up to protect me has been struck down—this ancient king of vultures, a friend of my father-in-law.

Context

O mean Ravana, are you not ashamed of kidnapping me when I was separated (from my husband)?

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• Rāvaṇa
• Jatāyu (gṛdhrarāja)
• Daśaratha (implied as śvaśura of Sītā)

FAQs

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

Dharma honors protective duty and sacrifice: Jatāyu’s attempt to defend Sītā is righteous even if it ends in death. The verse highlights the cost of opposing adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā notes that Jatāyu, who tried to rescue her during the abduction, has been brought down by Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Jatāyu’s bravery and dharmic guardianship—standing against wrongdoing despite age and danger.