Shloka 3.67.27

जटायुवृत्तान्तः — Jatāyu’s Testimony and Rāma’s Grief

Devanagari script

अयं पितृवयस्यो मे गृध्रराजो जरान्वितः।शेते विनिहतो भूमौ मम भाग्यविपर्ययात्।।।।

Transliteration

ayaṃ pitṛvayasyo me gṛdhrarājo jarānvitaḥ |

śete vinihato bhūmau mama bhāgyaviparyayāt ||

Translation

This king of vultures—aged and a friend of my father—lies slain upon the ground, for my fortune has turned against me.

Context

This aged king of birds is my father's friend. To my ill-luck, he is struck down and is lying on the ground.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Jatayu (Gṛdhrarāja)
• Rama's father (Daśaratha, implied by pitṛ-)

FAQs

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

Dharma stresses honoring elders and allies: Rāma recognizes Jatāyu’s relational and moral status (father’s friend) and treats his death as a grave, meaningful loss.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma identifies the fallen Jatāyu to Lakṣmaṇa, emphasizing Jatāyu’s age and his bond with Rāma’s father.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for elders (guru-vṛddha-sammāna) and gratitude toward those who uphold dharma even at personal cost.