Shloka 5.38.3

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

Devanagari script

स्त्रीत्वं न तु समर्थं हि सागरं व्यतिवर्तितुम्।मामधिष्ठाय विस्तीर्णं शतयोजनमायतम्।।5.38.3।।

Transliteration

tatas tasmin mahābāhuḥ kopasaṃvartitekṣaṇaḥ || 5.38.29 ||

vāyase kṛtavān krūrāṃ matiṃ matimatāṃ varaḥ |

Translation

Then the mighty-armed one—best among the discerning—his eyes narrowed and rolling with anger, formed a stern resolve against that crow.

Context

"It may not be possible for a woman to cross on my back the vast ocean stretching over a hundred yojanas. It is not possible for a woman.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• vāyasa (crow)

FAQs

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

Dharma supports firm action against cruelty, but it must arise from discerning judgment, not mere rage.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma decides to act decisively against the crow after recognizing the offense.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical wisdom (viveka) paired with protective strength.