Shloka 3.67.17

जटायुवृत्तान्तः — Jatāyu’s Testimony and Rāma’s Grief

Devanagari script

सीतामभ्यवपन्नोऽहं रावणश्च रणे मया।विध्वंसितरथश्चात्र पातितो धरणीतले।।।।

Transliteration

sītām abhyavapanno ’haṃ rāvaṇaś ca raṇe mayā | vidhvaṃsitarathaś cātra pātito dharaṇītale ||

Translation

I swooped down to defend Sītā; and in battle with me, Rāvaṇa—his chariot shattered—fell here upon the earth.

Context

I descended down to protect Sita, and in the battle with Ravana his chariot destroyed fell down here on the ground.

Characters & Entities

• Jatāyu
• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• Earth/ground (dharaṇītala)

FAQs

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

Protecting the vulnerable is dharma: Jatāyu acts as guardian, risking himself to defend Sītā against injustice.

What is the narrative situation?

Jatāyu recounts his intervention and the battle in which he damaged Rāvaṇa’s chariot and brought him down.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage and protective duty (rakṣaṇa-dharma), even when facing a superior force.