Shloka 3.68.21

जटायुनिर्वाणसंस्कारः — Jatayu’s Final Testimony and Funeral Rites

Devanagari script

अनेकवार्षिको यस्तु चिरकालसमुत्थितः।।।।सोऽयमद्य हतश्शेते कालो हि दुरतिक्रमः।

Transliteration

anekavārṣiko yas tu cirakālasamutthitaḥ |

so ’yam adya hataḥ śete kālo hi duratikramaḥ ||

Translation

Though he was aged and had lived long, he lies here slain today—for time (fate) is indeed impossible to overstep.

Context

This Jatayu, who lived for long years, is lying dead now. (The dictate of) destiny is inescapable.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Jaṭāyu
• kāla (Time/Fate)

FAQs

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

Acceptance of impermanence without abandoning duty: even while acknowledging fate’s power, the righteous response is to continue acting according to dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma laments over Jaṭāyu’s body, reflecting on his long life and the inevitability of death governed by kāla.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s reflective wisdom and truthfulness about mortality, alongside his continued commitment to righteous action.