Shloka 5.38.48

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

Devanagari script

ममैव दुष्कृतं किञ्चिन्महदस्ति न संशयः।समर्थावपि तौ यन्मां नावेक्षेते परन्तपौ।।5.38.48।।

Transliteration

mamaiva duṣkṛtaṃ kiñcin mahad asti na saṃśayaḥ | samarthāv api tau yan māṃ nāvekṣete parantapau ||5.38.48||

Translation

Surely some great wrongdoing of mine exists—there is no doubt—since, though capable, those two scorchers of foes do not look to my deliverance.

Context

"Perhaps I must have committed an atrocious sin. There is no doubt. For although both of them are scorchers of enemies, they deliver me not."

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Hanumān
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

It reflects a karmic moral lens common in Itihāsa: suffering prompts self-examination, even when the sufferer is not at fault—showing how grief can distort ethical judgment.

What is the narrative situation?

Overwhelmed by continued captivity, Sītā turns inward and suspects her own past misdeed as the cause of delayed rescue.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s moral seriousness and introspection—she judges herself rather than blaming others, even in hardship.