Shloka 5.67.17

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

Devanagari script

राम त्वां स नमस्कृत्य राज्ञे दशरथाय च।।।।विसृष्टस्तु तदा काक प्रतिपेदे स्वमालयम्।

Transliteration

rāma tvāṃ sa namaskṛtya rājñe daśarathāya ca | visṛṣṭas tu tadā kākaḥ pratipede svam ālayam |

Translation

Then the crow, released alive, bowed in reverence to you, O Rāma, and also to King Daśaratha, and returned to its own abode.

Context

'Thereafter that crow left without killing offered salutations to you and king Dasaratha and returned to his abode.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• the crow (kāka)

FAQs

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

Mercy that follows surrender should lead to transformation: the spared offender responds with humility and respect, acknowledging righteous authority.

What is the narrative situation?

After being punished but spared, the crow salutes Rāma and Daśaratha and departs—closing the episode cited by Sītā as proof of Rāma’s character.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s balanced kingship: punishment without vindictiveness, and protection without weakness.