Shloka 3.18.20

शूर्पणखाविरूपणम् (The Disfigurement of Śūrpaṇakhā)

Devanagari script

इमां विरूपामसतीमतिमत्तां महोदरीम्।राक्षसीं पुरुषव्याघ्र विरूपयितुमर्हसि।।।।

Transliteration

imāṃ virūpām asatīm atimattāṃ mahodarīm |

rākṣasīṃ puruṣavyāghra virūpayitum arhasi ||

Translation

Tiger among men, you should disfigure this rākṣasī—ugly, unchaste, maddened with passion, and big-bellied.

Context

O tiger among men, this uncouth, big-bellied, unchaste and highly passionate demoness deserves to be formed.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Śūrpaṇakhā (rākṣasī)

FAQs

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

Dharma permits proportionate force (daṇḍa) to prevent ongoing harm; the intent is protection and deterrence when restraint alone is insufficient.

What is the narrative situation?

After Śūrpaṇakhā’s violent attack on Sītā, Rāma instructs Lakṣmaṇa to incapacitate her by disfiguring her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s role as protector and judge—he chooses a disabling punishment meant to stop further assault.