Shloka 3.17.22

शूर्पणखाया आगमनम् — Surpanakha Approaches Rama

Devanagari script

श्रूयतां राम वक्ष्यामि तत्त्वार्थं वचनं मम। 3.17.21।।अहं शूर्पणखा नाम राक्षसी कामरूपिणी।अरण्यं विचरामीदमेका सर्वभयङ्करा।।3.17.22।।

Transliteration

araṇyaṃ vicarāmīdam ekā sarvabhayaṅkarā ||

Translation

“Alone I roam this very forest, a terror to all.”

Context

My name is Surpanakha. I am a demoness who can assume any form at will, I move in this forest alone, unleashing a reign of terror.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• forest (araṇya)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the opposite of dharma: intimidation and predation as a way of life, which destabilizes the moral order of the forest-world.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā continues describing herself, boasting of solitary movement and her fearsome reputation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not a virtue but a trait: pride in power and fear-inducing dominance.