Shloka 3.67.24

जटायुवृत्तान्तः — Jatāyu’s Testimony and Rāma’s Grief

Devanagari script

राज्यं भ्रष्टं वने वासस्सीता नष्टा हतो द्विजः।ईदृशीयं ममालक्ष्मीर्निर्दहेदपि पावकम्।।।।

Transliteration

rājyaṃ bhraṣṭaṃ vane vāsaḥ sītā naṣṭā hato dvijaḥ |

īdṛśīyaṃ mamālakṣmīr nirdahēd api pāvakam ||

Translation

“I have fallen from my kingdom; I dwell in the forest; Sītā is lost; and this twice-born one has been slain. Such is my misfortune that it would burn even fire itself.”

Context

I have been expelled from the kingdom. I am made to stay in the forest. I have lost Sita (my beloved wife). This bird (who was my well-wisher) has been slain. Such misfortune will burn even fire.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Sita
• Lakshmana
• Jatayu (dvija)
• forest (vana)
• kingdom (rājya)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes truthful acknowledgment of suffering without abandoning duty; Rāma names his calamities plainly, setting the stage for steadfast action rather than denial.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma, overwhelmed after learning of Sītā’s abduction and seeing Jatāyu slain, laments his cascading losses to Lakṣmaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya (honest speech) and emotional transparency, which in the epic supports resolute dharmic action rather than escapism.