Shloka 5.38.15

अभिज्ञानप्रदानम् — The Token of Recognition (Chūḍāmaṇi) and the Crow Episode Recalled

Devanagari script

ततो मांससमायुक्तो वायसः पर्यतुण्डयत्।तमहं लोष्टमुद्यम्य वारयामिस्म वायसम्।।5.38.15।।

Transliteration

tāpasāśramavāsinyāḥ prājyamūlaphalodake |

tasmin siddhāśrame deśe mandākinyā vidūrataḥ || 5.38.13 ||

Translation

—in that region called Siddhāśrama, rich in roots, fruits, and water, not far from the river Mandākinī, where ascetics dwelt.

Context

'Then a crow greedy of flesh began to peck my bossom with its beak. I took a clod of earth and warded him off.

Characters & Entities

• Siddhāśrama
• Mandākinī
• tāpasas (ascetics)

FAQs

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

Respect for āśrama-dharma: the hermitage setting evokes restraint, purity, and lawful living even in hardship—values Sītā and Rāma upheld in exile.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā provides identifiable details of their former residence, making her message credible and emotionally resonant.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s integrity and clarity—she speaks with verifiable specificity rather than mere lament.