Shloka 4.57.16

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

Devanagari script

तस्य भार्या जनस्थानाद्रावणेन हृता बलात्।रामस्य तु पितुर्मित्रं जटायुर्नाम गृध्रराट्।।।।ददर्श सीतां वैदेहीं ह्रियमाणां विहायसा।

Transliteration

tasya bhāryā janasthānād rāvaṇena hṛtā balāt |

rāmasya tu pitur mitraṃ jaṭāyur nāma gṛdhrarāṭ ||

dadarśa sītāṃ vaidehīṃ hriyamāṇāṃ vihāyasā |

Translation

From Jana-sthāna, his wife was seized by force by Rāvaṇa. Jaṭāyu, king of vultures and a friend of Rāma’s father, saw Sītā of Videha being carried away through the sky.

Context

'His wife was abducted from Janasthana by Ravana. The king of vultures Jatayu, a friend of Rama's father observed princess of Videha, being forcibly carried away through the aerial region.

Characters & Entities

• Janasthāna
• Rāvaṇa
• Rāma
• Daśaratha (implied via 'Rāma’s father')
• Jaṭāyu
• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• Sky/air (vihāyasa)

FAQs

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

Dharma as protective duty and loyalty: Jatāyu’s relationship to Daśaratha becomes a moral impetus to defend Rāma’s wife.

What is the narrative situation?

Aṅgada recounts the moment of abduction and the key witness: Jatāyu sees Sītā being taken through the sky by Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Jatāyu’s loyal vigilance—he notices wrongdoing and is positioned to respond rather than remain passive.