Shloka 3.68.1

जटायुनिर्वाणसंस्कारः — Jatayu’s Final Testimony and Funeral Rites

Devanagari script

रामस्सम्प्रेक्ष्य तं गृध्रं भुवि रौद्रेण पातितम्।सौमित्रिं मित्रसम्पन्नमिदं वचनमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

rāmaḥ samprekṣya taṁ gṛdhraṁ bhuvi raudreṇa pātitam | saumitriṁ mitra-sampannam idaṁ vacanam abravīt ||

Translation

Seeing that vulture lying on the ground, struck down by the fierce one, Rāma spoke these words to Saumitri, his loyal friend.

Context

Seeing the vulture lying on the ground thrown down by the fierce demon, Rama said to friendly Lakshmana:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitri)
• Jaṭāyu (the vulture)
• Rāvaṇa (implied as ‘the fierce one’)

FAQs

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

Dharma in crisis involves communication and coordination with trustworthy companions; righteous action is strengthened through loyal partnership.

What is the narrative situation?

At the start of the next chapter, Rāma, having seen the fallen vulture (Jaṭāyu), turns to Lakṣmaṇa and begins to speak.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Maitrī (steadfast friendship) between brothers-in-arms—Lakṣmaṇa is portrayed as a reliable confidant in dharmic struggle.