Shloka 5.38.71

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

Devanagari script

मणिरत्नं कपिवरः प्रतिगृह्याभिवाद्य च।सीतां प्रदक्षिणं कृत्वा प्रणतः पार्व्शतः स्थितः।।5.38.71।।

Transliteration

tato vastra-gataṃ muktvā divyaṃ cūḍāmaṇiṃ śubham |

pradeyo rāghavāyeti sītā hanumate dadau ||5.38.69||

Translation

Then Sita untied from her garment the auspicious, divine crest-jewel and gave it to Hanuman, saying, “It is to be delivered to Raghava (Rama).”

Context

Having recieved the jewel from Sita and circumambulated her, Hanuman offered salutations to her and stood by her.

Characters & Entities

• Sita
• Hanuman
• Rama (Raghava)
• Cūḍāmaṇi (crest-jewel)

FAQs

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

Dharma as faithfulness and truthful communication: Sita sends a reliable token to establish truth (satya) and sustain righteous effort for reunion.

What is the narrative situation?

Sita provides Hanuman a tangible sign (the cūḍāmaṇi) to take back to Rama as proof of having met her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sita’s steadiness and discernment: she chooses an apt, credible identifier to support Rama’s righteous mission.