Shloka 23
Sāvitrī’s Trirātra-Vrata and Departure with Satyavān (सावित्रीव्रतनिश्चयः सहगमनं च)
अपृच्छद् राघवो गृध्र॑ं रावण: कां दिशं गत: । तस्य गृध्र: शिर:कम्पैराचचक्षे ममार च,श्रीरामचन्द्रजीने जटायुसे पूछा--'रावण किस दिशाकी ओर गया है? गृध्रने सिर हिलाकर संकेतसे दक्षिण दिशा बतायी और अपने प्राण त्याग दिये
apṛcchad rāghavo gṛdhraṁ rāvaṇaḥ kāṁ diśaṁ gataḥ | tasya gṛdhraḥ śiraḥ-kampair ācacakṣe mamāra ca ||
Rāghava (Śrī Rāma) asked the vulture, “In which direction has Rāvaṇa gone?” The vulture indicated it by shaking its head—signaling the southern quarter—and then gave up its life. The scene underscores steadfast loyalty and the ethical weight of bearing truthful witness even at the cost of one’s own life.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in extreme weakness, one should uphold truth and duty: the vulture, loyal to righteousness, gives accurate guidance to Rāma and accepts death, illustrating integrity, faithful service, and the moral power of truthful testimony.
After the abduction, Rāma questions the wounded vulture about Rāvaṇa’s route. Unable to speak at length, it signals the direction by shaking its head toward the south and then dies, having fulfilled its final duty.