Shloka 3.68.9

जटायुनिर्वाणसंस्कारः — Jatayu’s Final Testimony and Funeral Rites

Devanagari script

हृता सा राक्षसेन्द्रेण रावणेन विहायसा।मायामास्थाय विपुलां वातदुर्दिनसङ्कुलाम्।।।।

Transliteration

kṛtodakau tāv api pakṣisattame sthirāṃ ca buddhiṃ praṇidhāya jagmatuḥ |

praveśya sītādhigame tato mano vanaṃ surendrav iva viṣṇuvāsavau ||

Translation

Having offered the udaka water-libation even for that noblest of birds, the two set their minds firm and intent; then, fixing their purpose on finding Sītā, they entered the forest—like Viṣṇu and Vāsava (Indra) among the lords of the devas.

Context

Ravana, the lord of the demons created violent winds through terrific magic and whisked her away in the sky.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Jaṭāyu
• Sītā
• Forest
• Viṣṇu
• Vāsava (Indra)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as honoring the righteous dead (proper rites for Jaṭāyu) and then pursuing one’s duty with steady, truth-guided resolve—grief does not cancel responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

After performing libations for Jaṭāyu, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa collect themselves and proceed into the forest, fully focused on recovering Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṛtajñatā (gratitude) toward Jaṭāyu and dhṛti (steadfastness) in continuing the righteous quest.