Shloka 24
शूर्पणखाया रावणं प्रति नीत्युपदेशः
Surpanakha’s Political Admonition to Ravana
इति स्वदोषान् परिकीर्तितांस्तया समीक्ष्य बुद्ध्या क्षणदाचरेश्वरः।धनेन दर्पेण बलेन चान्वितो विचिन्तयामास चिरं स रावणः।।।।
iti svadoṣān parikīrtitāṃs tayā samīkṣya buddhyā kṣaṇadācareśvaraḥ | dhanena darpeṇa balena cānvito vicintayāmāsa ciraṃ sa rāvaṇaḥ ||
وهكذا، بعدما تأمّل بعقله العيوبَ التي عدّدتها له، أخذ رافانا—سيّدَ السائرين في الليل—وهو مُمتلئٌ مالًا وكِبرًا وقوّةً، يُطيلُ التفكيرَ زمنًا طويلًا.
Having created enmity with self-respecting persons like gods, gandharvas and demons, with a fickle mind and without spies how long can you continue as king ?
FAQs
Even when counsel is heard, attachment to wealth, pride, and power can cloud dharmic correction; true dharma requires humility and reform, not mere reflection.
After Śūrpaṇakhā’s admonition, the narration describes Rāvaṇa pausing to think, setting up his next decision in the plot.
The verse contrasts needed humility with Rāvaṇa’s endowments—wealth, pride, and strength—hinting at the danger of dṛpa (arrogance).