Shloka 5.38.32

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

Devanagari script

अनुसृष्टस्तदा काको जगाम विविधां गतिम्।।5.38.32।।लोककाम इमं लोकं सर्वं वै विचचार ह।

Transliteration

anusṛṣṭas tadā kāko jagāma vividhāṃ gatim || 5.38.32 ||

lokakāma imaṃ lokaṃ sarvaṃ vai vicacāra ha |

Translation

Then the crow, pursued, fled in many directions; longing to find refuge, it wandered through this entire world.

Context

'Then that crow flew to many places seeking asylum all over the universe chased by the blade of grass.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Hanumān
• Rāma
• Kāka (the crow)

FAQs

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

Even an offender instinctively seeks protection when faced with consequences; the dharmic frame of the episode moves toward the question of where true refuge (śaraṇa) lies.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā recounts the well-known crow episode: the crow, struck by Rāma’s consecrated missile, runs everywhere seeking asylum.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s role as the ultimate refuge is being set up indirectly—his readiness to uphold justice without abandoning compassion.