Shloka 3.67.14

जटायुवृत्तान्तः — Jatāyu’s Testimony and Rāma’s Grief

Devanagari script

तं दीनं दीनया वाचा सफेनं रुधिरं वमन्।अभ्यभाषत पक्षी तु रामं दशरथात्मजम्।।।।

Transliteration

taṃ dīnaṃ dīnayā vācā saphenaṃ rudhiraṃ vaman | abhyabhāṣata pakṣī tu rāmaṃ daśarathātmajam ||

Translation

But the bird, wretched and spewing foamy blood, addressed Rāma, the son of Daśaratha, in a plaintive voice.

Context

But the vulture who was in a piteous state, vomitting foamy blood, spoke these words pathetically to Rama, son of Dasaratha:

Characters & Entities

• Jatāyu (pakṣī, by context)
• Rāma
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Dharma honors the suffering righteous: the wounded bird’s attempt to speak signals sacrificial duty and the urgency of speaking truth even at life’s end.

What is the narrative situation?

The grievously injured Jatāyu begins to communicate with Rāma, shifting the scene from suspicion to revelation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Jatāyu’s steadfastness and truthfulness—despite pain—foreshadow his role as a dharmic witness.