Shloka 3.68.3

जटायुनिर्वाणसंस्कारः — Jatayu’s Final Testimony and Funeral Rites

Devanagari script

अयमस्य शरीरेऽस्मिन्प्राणो लक्ष्मण विद्यते।तथा हि स्वरहीनोऽयं विक्लबस्समुदीक्ष्यते।।।।

Transliteration

ayam asya śarīre 'smin prāṇo lakṣmaṇa vidyate |

tathā hi svarahīno 'yaṃ viklabaḥ samudīkṣyate ||

Translation

Lakṣmaṇa, life still remains in his body; yet he appears weak and distressed—his voice has grown faint.

Context

O Lakshmana, it appears he is frightened and is experiencing excruciating pain in the body. His voice sounds faint, too.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Jatāyu (implied: the dying bird being observed)

FAQs

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

Dharma is attentive compassion: recognizing suffering promptly and responding with care is part of righteous conduct, especially toward one who has acted nobly.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma points out to Lakṣmaṇa that the wounded Jatāyu is still alive but extremely weakened, setting the stage for Jatāyu’s final testimony and Rāma’s ensuing rites.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s sensitivity and responsibility—he carefully observes the afflicted and prepares to act rightly rather than ignoring a suffering being.