Shloka 3.67.16

जटायुवृत्तान्तः — Jatāyu’s Testimony and Rāma’s Grief

Devanagari script

त्वया विरहिता देवी लक्ष्मणेन च राघव।ह्रियमाणा मया दृष्टा रावणेन बलीयसा।।।।

Transliteration

tvayā virahitā devī lakṣmaṇena ca rāghava | hriyamāṇā mayā dṛṣṭā rāvaṇena balīyasā ||

Translation

“O Rāghava, separated from you and from Lakṣmaṇa, I saw that lady being carried off by the mighty Rāvaṇa.”

Context

I have seen her snatched from you and from Lakshmana and carried off by powerful Ravana.

Characters & Entities

• Jatāyu
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma is strengthened by truthful witness: accurate testimony enables righteous response and prevents wrongful blame.

What is the narrative situation?

Jatāyu confirms directly to Rāma that he personally saw Rāvaṇa carrying Sītā away.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Jatāyu’s reliability and courage—he stands as a truthful informant after resisting a stronger foe.