Shloka 3.17.5

शूर्पणखाया आगमनम् — Surpanakha Approaches Rama

Devanagari script

तदाऽऽसीनस्य रामस्य कथासंसक्तचेतसः।तं देशं राक्षसी काचिदाजगाम यदृच्छया।।।।

Transliteration

imāṃ virūpām asatīṃ karālāṃ nirṇatodarīm | anena te saha bhrātrā bhakṣayiṣyāmi mānuṣīm |

Translation

“This deformed and unworthy woman—hideous and pot-bellied—I will devour, along with your brother, for your sake.”

Context

While Rama was thus seated, engrossed in conversation, there incidentally appeared a demoness.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa (as 'your brother')
• Sītā (as 'this human woman')

FAQs

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

Threatening violence to obtain desire is adharma; dharma rejects coercion and protects the innocent, especially within the sanctity of family.

What is the narrative situation?

After proposing herself, Śūrpaṇakhā escalates to threats, declaring she will eat Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is protective duty—Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa must uphold dharma by safeguarding Sītā against predatory aggression.