Shloka 3.17.19

शूर्पणखाया आगमनम् — Surpanakha Approaches Rama

Devanagari script

त्वां तु वेदितुमिच्छामि कस्य त्वं कासि कस्य वा।।।।त्वं हि तावन्मनोज्ञाङ्गी राक्षसी प्रतिभासि मे।

Transliteration

niyogāt tu narendrasya pitur mātuś ca yantritaḥ | dharmārthaṃ dharmakāṅkṣī ca vanaṃ vastum ihāgataḥ ||

Translation

Compelled by the command of the king—my father—and by my mother as well, and longing to uphold dharma for dharma’s sake, I have come here to dwell in the forest.

Context

I wish to know who you are. Tell me who your kins are. With lovely limbs you do not appear to be a demoness.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• narendra (Daśaratha implied as king/father)
• mother (Kaikeyī implied by exile context)
• forest (vana)

FAQs

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

Dharma as fidelity to rightful command and familial obligation—Rāma accepts forest-life to honor parental/royal injunction and uphold righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma explains to Śūrpaṇakhā why he is living in the forest: it is due to the king’s and his mother’s directive, embraced as dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s integrity (satya-niṣṭhā) and commitment to duty over personal comfort.