Shloka 3.18.8

शूर्पणखाविरूपणम् (The Disfigurement of Śūrpaṇakhā)

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तस्तु सौमित्री राक्षस्या वाक्यकोविदः।ततश्शूर्पणखीं स्मित्वा लक्ष्मणो युक्तमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

evam uktas tu saumitrī rākṣasyā vākyakovidaḥ | tataḥ śūrpaṇakhīṃ smitvā lakṣmaṇo yuktam abravīt ||

Translation

Thus addressed by the demoness, Lakṣmaṇa—son of Sumitrā, skilled in speech—smiled and then replied to Śūrpaṇakhā in a fitting manner.

Context

Thus addressed by the demoness Lakshmana, son of Sumitra, well-versed in the use of words gave her a befitting reply :

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sumitrā
• Śūrpaṇakhā

FAQs

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

Appropriate speech (yukta-vāk) is part of dharma: one responds to provocation with composure and fitting words rather than aggression.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator frames Lakṣmaṇa’s response: he is about to answer Śūrpaṇakhā’s proposal.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s discernment and rhetorical skill—he can speak aptly under pressure.