Shloka 3.68.27

जटायुनिर्वाणसंस्कारः — Jatayu’s Final Testimony and Funeral Rites

Devanagari script

सौमित्रे हर काष्ठानि निर्मथिष्यामि पावकम्।।।।गृध्रराजं दिधक्षामि मत्कृते निधनं गतम्।

Transliteration

saumitre hara kāṣṭhāni nirmathiṣyāmi pāvakam |

gṛdhrarājaṃ didhakṣāmi matkṛte nidhanaṃ gatam ||

Translation

O Saumitri, bring the firewood; I shall kindle the fire by rubbing, and I shall cremate the king of vultures who has gone to his death for my sake.

Context

O Saumitri ! fetch firewood. I shall generate fire by rubbing them and cremate the king of the birds who has laid down his life for my sake.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitri)
• Jaṭāyu (gṛdhrarāja)

FAQs

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

Dharma of honoring the dead: Rāma undertakes funeral rites for one who helped him, showing gratitude expressed through proper rites and respect.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma instructs Lakṣmaṇa to gather wood so that Jaṭāyu may be cremated, indicating immediate preparation for last rites.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s kṛtajñatā (gratitude) and adherence to dharmic rites, extending honor beyond human kinship.