Shloka 3.68.24

जटायुनिर्वाणसंस्कारः — Jatayu’s Final Testimony and Funeral Rites

Devanagari script

सर्वत्र खलु दृश्यन्ते साधवो धर्मचारिणः।।।।शूराश्शरण्यास्सौमित्रे तिर्यग्योनिगतेष्वपि।

Transliteration

sarvatra khalu dṛśyante sādhavo dharmacāriṇaḥ |

śūrāḥ śaraṇyāḥ saumitre tiryagyoni-gateṣv api ||

Translation

Truly, everywhere are found the good who walk in dharma—valiant protectors and a refuge, O Saumitri, even among those born as beasts and birds.

Context

O Lakshmana! valiant souls and protectors, being righteous and honest are found even among animals and birds.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitri)
• tiryagyoni (animal birth)

FAQs

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

Dharma is universal and not limited by birth: nobility, courage, and righteousness can appear in any form of life.

What is the narrative situation?

In mourning Jaṭāyu, Rāma generalizes the lesson that true virtue is found everywhere—even among non-human beings.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral discernment and inclusivity: Rāma honors virtue based on conduct (dharma-caryā), not species or status.