Shloka 5.38.18
अभिज्ञानप्रदानम् — The Token of Recognition (Chūḍāmaṇi) and the Crow Episode Recalled
त्वयाऽपहसिता चाहं क्रुद्धा संलज्जिता तदा।भक्षगृध्नेन काकेन दारिता त्वामुपागता।।5.38.18।।
dārayañś ca māṃ kākas tatraiva parilīyate |
na cāpy upāraman māṃsād bhakṣārthī balibhojanaḥ || 5.38.16 ||
That crow kept tearing at me and lingered right there; hungry for food, an eater of offerings, it would not stop seeking flesh.
'Then you made fun of me, and I became angry. I was abashed. Torn by the voracious bird I sought your shelter.
When harm persists despite mild deterrence, dharma recognizes the need for stronger rightful intervention—protection of the innocent is obligatory.
Sītā explains that the crow’s aggression continued; the threat was not momentary but sustained.
Sītā’s endurance under provocation, highlighting her non-violent disposition even when wronged.