Shloka 5.67.4

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

Devanagari script

पर्यायेण च सुप्तस्त्वं देव्यङ्के भरताग्रज।पुनश्च किल पक्षी स देव्या जनयति व्यथाम्।।।।

Transliteration

paryāyeṇa ca suptas tvaṃ devy-aṅke bharatāgraja |

punaś ca kila pakṣī sa devyā janayati vyathām ||

Translation

O elder brother of Bharata, when the lady lay resting, you slept upon her lap; and that bird again, it is said, caused the lady pain.

Context

"O Bharata's brother, when Sita awoke from sleep you slept on her lap. The same crow again hurt her.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā (devī)
• Bharata
• Kāka/Vāyasa (crow)

FAQs

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

Dharma of protection: the righteous husband/king is reminded of his duty to safeguard the vulnerable and respond to harm with just action.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā recalls the crow (Kākāsura) episode to identify herself and evoke Rāma’s protective resolve through a shared memory.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s truth-based recollection as proof and appeal; Rāma’s expected virtue of guardianship and justice.