Shloka 5.38.38

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

Devanagari script

स रामाय नमस्कृत्य राज्ञे दशरथाय च।विसृष्टस्तेन वीरेण प्रतिपेदे स्वमालयम्।।5.38.38।।

Transliteration

matkṛte kākamātre tu brahmāstraṃ samudīritam |

kasmād yo māṃ haret tvattaḥ kṣamase taṃ mahīpate || 5.38.39 ||

Translation

For my sake you once loosed the Brahmā-weapon even against a mere crow; then why, O lord of the earth, do you tolerate the one who has abducted me from you?

Context

'That crow offered salutations to you Rama and king Dasaratha, thereafter took permission and went to his own dwelling.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Hanumān
• Rāma
• Kāka (the crow)
• Brahmāstra
• Rāvaṇa (implied as the abductor)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires proportionate justice: Sītā questions the apparent mismatch between swift punishment of a minor offender and delay toward a grave adharma (abduction).

What is the narrative situation?

While speaking to Hanumān, Sītā emotionally addresses Rāma as if present, pressing the urgency of action against her abductor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s commitment to satya and moral consistency—she appeals to Rāma’s known standards of justice and protection.