Shloka 3.17.28

शूर्पणखाया आगमनम् — Surpanakha Approaches Rama

Devanagari script

इमां विरूपामसतीं करालां निर्णतोदरीम्।।।।अनेन ते सह भ्रात्रा भक्षयिष्यामि मानुषीम्।

Transliteration

sa rāmaḥ parṇaśālāyām āsīnaḥ saha sītayā | virarāja mahābāhuś citrayā candramā iva ||

Translation

Rāma, the mighty-armed, seated with Sītā in the leaf-thatched hut, shone like the moon beside the star Citrā.

Context

I will devour your brother along with this disfigured, unchaste and fearful lady with a flat belly.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Citrā (nakṣatra)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the dignity of righteous domestic life even in austerity—marital companionship and self-restraint remain luminous in exile.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma is seated with Sītā in their forest dwelling, described with a celestial simile to mark his splendour despite exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s serene majesty and Sītā’s steadfast companionship—royal virtue expressed without dependence on royal comforts.