Shloka 3.57.4

मारीचवधोत्तरं रामस्य शङ्का-निमित्त-दर्शनं लक्ष्मण-निग्रहश्च (After Maricha’s Slaying: Omens, Anxiety, and Rama’s Rebuke of Lakshmana)

Devanagari script

अशुभं बत मन्येऽहं गोमायुर्वाश्यते यथा।स्वस्ति स्यादपि वैदेह्या राक्षसैर्भक्षणं विना।।।।

Transliteration

aśubhaṃ bata manye ’haṃ gomāyur vāśyate yathā | svasti syād api vaidehyā rākṣasair bhakṣaṇaṃ vinā ||

Translation

This seems inauspicious to me—the jackal is howling like this. May Vaidehī be safe, and may it be that she has not been devoured by the rākṣasas.

Context

'The way the jackal is howling appears ominous. May Sita be safe without being eaten up by demons !

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Vaidehī (Sītā)
• rākṣasas
• gomāyu (jackal)

FAQs

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

Dharma here appears as the duty of protection and responsibility: Rāma’s mind turns immediately to Sītā’s safety, showing that righteous guardianship includes vigilance and concern for dependents.

What is the narrative situation?

After the deceptive events involving the golden deer, Rāma senses danger through ominous signs (the jackal’s howl) and fears for Sītā’s welfare.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective responsibility and compassionate concern—Rāma’s immediate worry is not for himself but for Sītā’s safety.