Shloka 5.38.43

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

Devanagari script

एवमस्त्रविदां श्रेष्ठस्सत्यवान्बलवानपि।किमर्थमस्त्रं रक्षस्सु न योजयसि राघव।।5.38.43।।

Transliteration

evam astravidāṃ śreṣṭhaḥ satyavān balavān api | kim artham astraṃ rakṣaḥsu na yojayasi rāghava ||5.38.43||

Translation

Though you are foremost among those who know weapons, truthful and strong, why, O Rāghava, do you not employ your weapons against the rākṣasas?

Context

'Even though you are an expert in the use of weapons, truthful and strong. (Yet) whyare you not using weapons aganst the demons?'

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Hanumān
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

It invokes kṣatriya-dharma: the righteous protector should use strength and skill to end oppression; truthfulness and power must culminate in timely protection of the vulnerable.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā, distressed in captivity, questions the apparent delay: if Rāma is truly capable, why has he not acted decisively against the rākṣasas?

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s satya (truthfulness) and martial competence—virtues that Sītā expects to result in swift rescue.