Shloka 1.1.55

श्रीमद्रामायणकथासङ्क्षेपः / The Ramayana in Synopsis (Narada’s Summary to Valmiki)

Devanagari script

ततस्तेनैव शोकेन गृध्रं दग्ध्वा जटायुषम् ।।1.1.54।।मार्गमाणो वने सीतां राक्षसं सन्ददर्श ह ।कबन्धन्नाम रूपेण विकृतं घोरदर्शनम् ।।1.1.55।।

Transliteration

tatas tenaiva śokena gṛdhraṃ dagdhvā jaṭāyuṣam | mārgamāṇo vane sītāṃ rākṣasaṃ sandadarśa ha ||

Translation

Then, overwhelmed by that very sorrow, he consigned the vulture Jaṭāyu to the flames; and while searching for Sītā in the forest, he came upon a rākṣasa.

Context

Then he performed in the midst of tears the funeral rites of the vulture Jatayu. Wandering in search of Sita, he beheld a rakshasa named Kabandha who was dreadful, in deformed in appearance.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Jatāyu
• Sītā
• forest (vana)
• rākṣasa

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as gratitude and duty: Rāma honors Jatāyu with proper last rites, showing that righteousness includes repaying loyalty and respecting the dead even amid personal crisis.

What is the narrative situation?

After learning of the abduction, Rāma performs Jatāyu’s cremation and continues the search, during which he encounters a demon.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṛtajñatā (thankfulness) and steadiness in duty—Rāma does not abandon rites and responsibilities despite grief.