Shloka 3.18.24

शूर्पणखाविरूपणम् (The Disfigurement of Śūrpaṇakhā)

Devanagari script

सा विक्षरन्ती रुधिरं बहुधा घोरदर्शना।प्रगृह्य बाहू गर्जन्ती प्रविवेश महावनम्।।।।

Transliteration

sā vikṣarantī rudhiraṃ bahudhā ghoradarśanā |

pragṛhya bāhū garjantī praviveśa mahāvanam ||

Translation

Dripping blood in streams, frightful to behold, she raised her arms and—roaring—entered the great forest.

Context

Dripping blood profusely, the frightful demoness lifted her arms and entered the great forest-roaring.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Great forest (mahāvana)

FAQs

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

The narrative reinforces that violent intent yields painful consequence, and that protecting the righteous restores safety to the immediate community.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā retreats deeper into the forest, wounded and roaring.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implicitly, the guardians’ effectiveness—by stopping the threat, they compel the aggressor to withdraw.