Shloka 5.38.33
अभिज्ञानप्रदानम् — The Token of Recognition (Chūḍāmaṇi) and the Crow Episode Recalled
स पित्रा च परित्यक्तस्सुरैश्च समहर्षिभिः।।5.38.33।।त्रीन्लोकान्सम्परिक्रम्य तमेव शरणं गतः।
sa pitrā ca parityaktaḥ suraiś ca sa-maharṣibhiḥ || 5.38.33 ||
trīn lokān samparikramya tam eva śaraṇaṃ gataḥ |
Rejected even by his own father, and by the gods along with the great seers, he circled the three worlds—then returned to him alone as refuge.
'Then the crow went round all the three worlds, having been rejected by his father Indra, including all the sages and gods. Refused by all he came back to Rama seeking shelter.
The verse highlights the dharmic idea that true refuge is not merely social power or lineage; when all worldly supports fail, one turns to the truly righteous protector.
Sītā narrates that the crow found no protector among gods and sages and finally returned to Rāma for shelter.
Rāma’s reputation as a dependable refuge (śaraṇya) is emphasized by contrast with the refusal of others.