Shloka 3.18.21

शूर्पणखाविरूपणम् (The Disfigurement of Śūrpaṇakhā)

Devanagari script

इत्युक्तो लक्ष्मणस्तस्याः क्रुद्धो रामस्य पार्श्वतः।उद्धृत्य खङ्गं चिच्छेद कर्णनासं महाबलः।।।।

Transliteration

ity ukto lakṣmaṇas tasyāḥ kruddho rāmasya pārśvataḥ |

uddhṛtya khaṅgaṃ ciccheda karṇanāsaṃ mahābalaḥ ||

Translation

Thus instructed, mighty Lakṣmaṇa, standing beside Rāma and angered, raised his sword and cut off her ears and nose.

Context

Thus instructed (by Rama), powerful Lakshmana took position by the side of Rama, angrily lifted the sword and cut off her nose and ears.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Sword (khaṅga)

FAQs

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

Obedience to rightful command in defense of the vulnerable: Lakṣmaṇa executes protective punishment as directed by Rāma.

What is the narrative situation?

Following Rāma’s order, Lakṣmaṇa uses his sword to disfigure Śūrpaṇakhā by cutting off her nose and ears.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s loyalty and readiness to act decisively for Sītā’s safety under Rāma’s leadership.