Shloka 5.38.2
अभिज्ञानप्रदानम् — The Token of Recognition (Chūḍāmaṇi) and the Crow Episode Recalled
युक्तरूपं त्वया देवि भाषितं शुभदर्शने।सदृशं स्त्रीस्वभावस्य साध्वीनां विनयस्य च।।5.38.2।।
tvayā 'pahasītā cāhaṃ kruddhā saṃlajjitā tadā |
bhakṣagṛdhnena kākena dāritā tvām upāgatā || 5.38.18 ||
You laughed at me then; I became angry and ashamed. Torn by that food-greedy crow, I came to you for refuge.
"O queen! O lady of auspicious appearance! your words are most appropriate to and characteristic of a modest virtuous woman.
Śaraṇāgati: turning to the rightful protector in times of harm is dharmic; it also implies the protector’s duty to respond.
After being mocked and injured, Sītā seeks Rāma’s shelter, escalating the episode toward a demand for justice.
Sītā’s trust in Rāma as protector and Rāma’s expected compassion and responsibility.