Shloka 3.18.6

शूर्पणखाविरूपणम् (The Disfigurement of Śūrpaṇakhā)

Devanagari script

इति रामेण सा प्रोक्ता राक्षसी काममोहिता।विसृज्य रामं सहसा ततो लक्ष्मणमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

iti rāmeṇa sā proktā rākṣasī kāmamohitā | visṛjya rāmaṃ sahasā tato lakṣmaṇam abravīt ||

Translation

Thus addressed by Rāma, the rākṣasī—deluded by desire—abruptly left him and then spoke to Lakṣmaṇa.

Context

Thus told by Rama, the demoness, deluded with lust, left him suddenly, and said toLakshmana:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Śūrpaṇakhā

FAQs

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

Unchecked desire (kāma) clouds discernment; dharma requires mastery of impulses so one does not act rashly or harmfully.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā, driven by lust, shifts her attention from Rāma to Lakṣmaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast to Śūrpaṇakhā’s impulsiveness, Rāma’s steadiness and self-control are implicitly highlighted.