Shloka 1.3.21

तृतीयः सर्गः (Bālakāṇḍa 3): Vālmīki’s Yogic Verification and the Epic Synopsis

Devanagari script

मारीचस्य वधं चैव वैदेह्या हरणं तथा ।राघवस्य विलापं च गृध्रराजनिबर्हणम् ।।।।

Transliteration

mārīcasya vadhaṃ caiva vaidehyā haraṇaṃ tathā | rāghavasya विलāpaṃ ca gṛdhrarāja-nibarhaṇam ||

Translation

He recounted as well the slaying of Mārīca, the abduction of Vaidehī (Sītā), Rāghava’s lament in separation, and the fall of Jaṭāyu, king of vultures.

Context

(He described) the killing of Maricha, the abduction of Sita, Rama's lamentation (over his separation from Sita), and the death of Jatayu.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Jatāyu (Gṛdhrarāja)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes steadfastness under suffering: even when truth and justice are violated (Sītā’s abduction), one must persist in righteous effort rather than collapse into despair.

What is the narrative situation?

Nārada compresses the crisis sequence: Mārīca is slain, Sītā is abducted, Rāma grieves, and Jatāyu dies after resisting Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Jatāyu’s courage and duty to protect the vulnerable, and Rāma’s fidelity and perseverance despite grief.