Shloka 4.57.10

सम्पाति–अङ्गदसंवादः / Sampati and Angada: Genealogy, Jatayu, and the Search Vow

Devanagari script

सर्वथा प्रायमासीनान्यदि नो भक्षयिष्यति।कृतकृत्या भविष्यामः क्षिप्रं सिद्धिमितो गताः।।।।

Transliteration

sarvathā prāyam āsīnān yadi no bhakṣayiṣyati |

kṛtakṛtyā bhaviṣyāmaḥ kṣipraṃ siddhim ito gatāḥ ||

Translation

If he devours us while we have resolved to die, then in every way our purpose will be fulfilled—we shall quickly attain completion by leaving this place.

Context

'Since we wish to die, we will be accomplishing our objective successfully if he eats us soon'.

Characters & Entities

• Sampāti (implied as 'he' who might devour them)
• Vānara search party

FAQs

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

It highlights a distorted dharma under despair: when duty seems failed, they treat death as ‘completion.’ The Ramayana often contrasts such despair with renewed effort grounded in hope and truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Believing their mission unsuccessful and facing Sugrīva’s deadline, the vānara party considers ending their lives; they even see being eaten as a swift end.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not virtue but the crisis of morale; the verse underscores how desperation can overwhelm discernment (viveka) in the face of duty.