Shloka 5.38.36

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

Devanagari script

हिनस्तु दक्षिणाक्षि त्वच्छर इत्यथ सोऽब्रवीत्।।5.38.36।।ततस्तस्याक्षि काकस्य हिनस्ति स्म स दक्षिणम्।दत्त्वा स दक्षिणं नेत्रं प्राणेभ्यः परिरक्षितः।।5.38.37।।

Transliteration

hinastu dakṣiṇākṣi tvacchara ity atha so 'bravīt || 5.38.36 ||

tatas tasyākṣi kākasya hinasti sma sa dakṣiṇam |

dattvā sa dakṣiṇaṃ netraṃ prāṇebhyaḥ parirakṣitaḥ || 5.38.37 ||

Translation

Then he said, “Let your arrow destroy my right eye.” Thereupon Rāma struck the crow’s right eye; offering that right eye, the crow’s life was spared.

Context

'Then that crow said, 'let my right eye be blinded'. you then hit the right eye of the crow'. Thus the crow offered his right eye and saved himself.

Characters & Entities

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

FAQs

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

Dharma balances justice with mercy: wrongdoing requires consequence, yet surrender allows a mitigated penalty that preserves life.

What is the narrative situation?

To prevent the brahmāstra from becoming futile while honoring refuge, the crow proposes a penalty—loss of one eye—in exchange for survival.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s measured justice and the crow’s acceptance of accountability (taking punishment rather than evading it).