Shloka 5.40.4

अभिज्ञानदानम् / The Gift of Recognition (Sita’s Token and Resolve)

Devanagari script

अभिज्ञानं च रामस्य दद्या हरिगणोत्तम।क्षिप्तामिषीकां काकस्य कोपादेकाक्षिशातनीम्।।5.40.4।।

Transliteration

abhijñānaṃ ca rāmasya dadyā harigaṇottama | kṣiptāmiṣīkāṃ kākasya kopād ekākṣiśātanīm ||5.40.4||

Translation

O best of the Vānara leaders, give Rāma this token of recognition: remind him of the episode when, in anger, he hurled a blade of grass that struck the crow and destroyed one of its eyes.

Context

"O best leader of vanaras! remind Rama about the incident of the release of a blade of grass in anger blinding one of the eyes of the crow narrated to you.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Hanumān
• crow (kāka)
• blade of grass (iṣīkā)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is expressed as truthful recognition and fidelity: Sītā ensures that Rāma receives a reliable identifying sign (abhijñāna) so that truth is established beyond doubt and right action can follow.

What is the narrative situation?

In Aśoka-vana, Sītā is instructing Hanumān on what message and proof to deliver to Rāma; she proposes recalling a private incident as a confirmation of her identity and their bond.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s steadfastness and clarity (satya-niṣṭhā): even in captivity she focuses on accurate communication and rightful means to reunite with Rāma.