Shloka 3.68.20

जटायुनिर्वाणसंस्कारः — Jatayu’s Final Testimony and Funeral Rites

Devanagari script

बहूनि रक्षसां वासे वर्षाणि वसता सुखम्।।।।अनेन दण्डकारण्ये विशीर्णमिह पक्षिणा।

Transliteration

bahūni rakṣasāṃ vāse varṣāṇi vasatā sukham |

anena daṇḍakāraṇye viśīrṇam iha pakṣiṇā ||

Translation

Having lived happily for many years here in Daṇḍakāraṇya, the dwelling-place of rākṣasas, this bird has now met his end here (because of us).

Context

Dwelling for many years happily in Dandaka forest, the abode of demons, the bird lost his life (on our account).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Daṇḍakāraṇya
• rākṣasas (demons)
• Jaṭāyu (as the bird)

FAQs

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

Gratitude and moral accountability: Rāma reflects that the bird’s death is connected to their cause, underscoring responsibility toward those who help in dharmic struggles.

What is the narrative situation?

After Sītā’s abduction, Rāma recognizes that Jaṭāyu—who had long lived in the dangerous Daṇḍaka region—has died in the aftermath of resisting the rākṣasa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Jaṭāyu’s steadfastness in living amid danger and still choosing to act righteously when the moment demanded.