Shloka 3.18.7

शूर्पणखाविरूपणम् (The Disfigurement of Śūrpaṇakhā)

Devanagari script

अस्य रूपस्य ते युक्ता भार्याहं वरवर्णिनी।मया सह सुखं सर्वान्दण्डकान्विचरिष्यसि।।।।

Transliteration

asya rūpasya te yuktā bhāryāhaṃ varavarṇinī | mayā saha sukhaṃ sarvān daṇḍakān vicariṣyasi ||

Translation

“I, a woman of radiant beauty, am a fitting wife for your form. With me you will wander happily through all the forests of Daṇḍaka.”

Context

With my fine complexion, I will be a suitable wife for you. You can happily wander about in Dandaka forest with me.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Daṇḍaka (forest)

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates kāma-driven persuasion; dharma teaching emerges indirectly: attraction and self-praise are not sufficient grounds for righteous union.

What is the narrative situation?

After being redirected, Śūrpaṇakhā proposes marriage to Lakṣmaṇa and invites him to roam the forest with her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s virtue is set up for display next: fidelity to duty and loyalty to his elder brother, rather than yielding to temptation.