Shloka 3.18.17

शूर्पणखाविरूपणम् (The Disfigurement of Śūrpaṇakhā)

Devanagari script

इत्युक्त्वा मृगशाबाक्षीमलातसदृशेक्षणा।अभ्यधावत्सुसङ्कृद्धा महोल्कां रोहिणीमिव।।।।

Transliteration

ity uktvā mṛgaśābākṣīm alātasadṛśekṣaṇā | abhyadhāvat susaṅkruddhā maholkāṃ rohiṇīm iva ||

Translation

Having spoken thus, the enraged one—her eyes like burning embers—rushed at the fawn-eyed Sītā, like a great meteor hurtling toward Rohiṇī.

Context

While speaking this, Surpanakha, with eyes like flaming amber ran to the fawn-eyed Sita in great anger like a giant meteor hurtling towards the constellation of Rohini :

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Sītā
• Rohiṇī

FAQs

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

When desire becomes wrath, it culminates in हिंसा; dharma requires protecting the vulnerable and preventing harm before it occurs.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā, furious, physically charges toward Sītā, triggering the decisive intervention that follows in the story.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s innocence is underscored (fawn-eyed), and the scene prepares for the protective duty of Rāma/Lakṣmaṇa as guardians.