Shloka 3.68.6

जटायुनिर्वाणसंस्कारः — Jatayu’s Final Testimony and Funeral Rites

Devanagari script

कथं तच्चन्द्रसङ्काशं मुखमासीन्मनोहरम्।सीतया कानि चोक्तानि तस्मिन्काले द्विजोत्तम।।।।

Transliteration

kathaṃ vīryaḥ kathaṃ rūpaḥ kiṃ karmā sa ca rākṣasaḥ |

kva cāsya bhavanaṃ tāta brūhi me paripṛcchataḥ ||

Translation

Dear father, tell me as I ask: how great is that rākṣasa’s might, what is his form, what deeds does he pursue—and where is his dwelling?

Context

O best of birds! how did her delightful, Moon-like face look when she was hijacked. What did she say at that time?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Jaṭāyu
• Rākṣasa
• Rāvaṇa (implied by context)

FAQs

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

Dharma in action requires informed, truthful inquiry before undertaking righteous response; Rāma seeks facts (power, form, location) to pursue justice responsibly.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma questions Jaṭāyu for actionable details about the abductor—his strength, appearance, conduct, and residence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and niścaya (determined resolve guided by accurate intelligence).