Shloka 5.67.15

अभिज्ञानवृत्तान्त-प्रत्यायनम् (Token of Recognition and the Crow–Brahmāstra Episode)

Devanagari script

पुनरेवागतस्त्रस्तस्त्वत्सकाशमरिंदम।स तं निपतितं भूमौ शरण्यश्शरणागतम्।।।।वधार्हमपि काकुत्स्थ कृपया पर्यपालयः।

Transliteration

punar evāgataḥ trastaḥ tvat-sakāśam arindama | sa taṃ nipatitaṃ bhūmau śaraṇyaḥ śaraṇāgatam || vadhārham api kākutstha kṛpayā paryapālayaḥ |

Translation

O subduer of foes, trembling he returned again to you. When he fell upon the ground seeking refuge, you—who grant protection—spared him in compassion, though he deserved death, O Kakutstha.

Context

'O destroyer of enemies! the crow came back again to you trembling seeking protection from you and fell on the ground. Even though it deserved to be slayed, you saved him out of compassion.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kākutstha
• the crow (kāka)
• earth/ground (bhūmi)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes protecting one who sincerely seeks refuge; punishment may be deserved, yet compassion and restraint become righteous when the offender submits and repents.

What is the narrative situation?

In the crow-episode, the offender returns to Rāma in fear, falls down in surrender, and is spared—establishing Rāma’s refuge-granting nature.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s compassion (kṛpā) joined with principled protection of the surrendered (śaraṇāgata-rakṣaṇa).