Shloka 3.18.9

शूर्पणखाविरूपणम् (The Disfigurement of Śūrpaṇakhā)

Devanagari script

कथं दासस्य मे दासी भार्या भवितुमिच्छसि।सोऽहमार्येण परवान्भ्रात्रा कमलवर्णिनि।।।।

Transliteration

kathaṃ dāsasya me dāsī bhāryā bhavitum icchasi | so 'ham āryeṇa paravān bhrātrā kamalavarṇini ||

Translation

“O lotus-hued lady, how could you wish to become my wife—when I am a servant, indeed a servant’s servant? For I am wholly dependent upon my noble elder brother.”

Context

O lotus-complexioned woman , how can you act as a maid to a slave ? Why do you intend to be so? I am already dependent on my revered brother.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• Śūrpaṇakhā

FAQs

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

Lakṣmaṇa affirms dharma as loyal service and rightful dependence on the elder brother (and leader). Personal desire is subordinated to duty and ordained relationship.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa answers Śūrpaṇakhā’s proposal by presenting himself as a dependent servant of Rāma, discouraging her advances.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s steadfast loyalty (sevā-bhāva) and commitment to maryādā—he defines himself through duty rather than self-indulgence.