Shloka 3.18.18

शूर्पणखाविरूपणम् (The Disfigurement of Śūrpaṇakhā)

Devanagari script

तां मृत्युपाशप्रतिमामापतन्तीं महाबलः।निगृह्य रामः कुपित स्ततो लक्ष्मणमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

tāṃ mṛtyupāśapratimām āpatantīṃ mahābalaḥ |

nigṛhya rāmaḥ kupitas tato lakṣmaṇam abravīt ||

Translation

Mighty Rāma, enraged, restrained her as she rushed in—like the very noose of Death—and then spoke to Lakṣmaṇa.

Context

Mighty Rama in a rage restrained her who was falling upon Sita like the noose of death, and said to Lakshmana:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Sītā (implied by context)

FAQs

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

Protection of the innocent is a primary duty: Rāma restrains imminent violence and acts first to prevent harm, showing that force is subordinate to righteous protection.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā lunges toward Sītā in a murderous rage; Rāma stops her and turns to instruct Lakṣmaṇa on what to do next.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s guardianship and moral control: even while angry, he prioritizes immediate protection and then gives measured direction.