Shloka 3.68.8

जटायुनिर्वाणसंस्कारः — Jatayu’s Final Testimony and Funeral Rites

Devanagari script

तमुद्वीक्ष्याथ दीनात्मा विलपन्तमनन्तरम्।वाचातिसन्नया रामं जटायुरिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

hṛtā sā rākṣasendreṇa rāvaṇena vihāyasā |

māyām āsthāya vipulāṃ vātadurdinasaṅkulām ||

Translation

She was carried off through the sky by Rāvaṇa, lord of rākṣasas, who resorted to vast māyā—stirring up fierce winds and storm-darkness.

Context

Thereafter Jatayu, a piteous soul, looked up at Rama who was crying incessantly and said this in a feeble voice:

Characters & Entities

• Jaṭāyu
• Rāma
• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• Sky (vihāyasaḥ)
• Māyā (illusion/deceit)

FAQs

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

Adharma is marked by māyā (deceit) used to violate another’s rights; dharma responds by naming wrongdoing truthfully so that justice can be pursued.

What is the narrative situation?

Jaṭāyu reports the method of abduction: Rāvaṇa used magical deception and storm-like conditions to seize Sītā and fly away.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Jaṭāyu’s integrity as an eyewitness—speaking clear truth to guide Rāma’s righteous action.