Shloka 3.67.12

जटायुवृत्तान्तः — Jatāyu’s Testimony and Rāma’s Grief

Devanagari script

गृध्ररूपमिदं रक्षो व्यक्तं भवति कानने।।3.67.11।।भक्षयित्वा विशालाक्षीमास्ते सीतां यथासुखम्।एनं वधिष्ये दीप्तास्यैर्घोरैर्बाणैरजिह्मगैः।।3.67.12।।

Transliteration

gṛdhrarūpam idaṃ rakṣo vyaktaṃ bhavati kānane | bhakṣayitvā viśālākṣīm āste sītāṃ yathāsukham | enaṃ vadhiṣye dīptāsyair ghōrair bāṇair ajihmagaiḥ ||

Translation

This rākṣasa, plainly taking the form of a vulture in the forest, has devoured the large‑eyed lady and now sits by Sītā at his ease. I shall slay him with dreadful, blazing arrows that fly straight and do not swerve.

Context

This demon in the guise of a vulture has evidently eaten away the largeeyed Sita and is happily relaxing in the forest. With my terrific arrows with burning tips that can go straight I will kill him.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Rākṣasa (as a category; misidentified target)
• Forest (kānana)
• Arrows (bāṇa)

FAQs

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

The ethical takeaway remains: dharma must be guided by verified truth (satya); otherwise punishment risks harming the innocent.

What is the narrative situation?

A duplicated verse-numbering in the Southern Recension reiterates Rāma’s mistaken resolve upon seeing the wounded bird.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The episode tests Rāma’s discernment and restraint—virtues crucial for righteous action.