Shloka 5.38.23

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

Devanagari script

स तत्र पुनरेवाथ वायसस्समुपागमत्।ततस्सुप्तप्रबुद्धां मां रामस्याङ्कात्समुत्थिताम्।।5.38.22।।वायसस्सहसागम्य विददार स्तनान्तरे।पुनः पुनरथोत्पत्य विददार स मां भृशम्।।5.38.23।।

Transliteration

sa tatra punar evātha vāyasaḥ samupāgamat |

tataḥ suptaprabuddhāṃ māṃ rāmasyāṅkāt samutthitām || 5.38.22 ||

Translation

Then that crow returned there again. And when I had awakened from sleep and risen from Rama’s lap, it came back toward me once more.

Context

'The crow came back again and clawed me in the space between my breasts even after I woke up after slumber from Rama's lap. Flying, it tore my bosom again and again.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• vāyasa (crow)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the vulnerability of the innocent and the moral demand that harm to the helpless must not be tolerated; it sets the stage for righteous protection.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā recounts the crow’s return and its renewed aggression even after she wakes and rises from Rāma’s lap.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s truthfulness and clarity of remembrance (satya in narration), laying a factual basis for just action.