Shloka 3.19.1

खरस्य क्रोधः — शूर्पणखावृत्तान्तकथनम् (Khara’s Wrath and Śūrpaṇakhā’s Report)

Devanagari script

तां तथा पतितां दृष्ट्वा विरूपां शोणितोक्षिताम्।भगिनीं क्रोधसन्तप्तः खरः पप्रच्छ राक्षसः।।।।

Transliteration

tāṃ tathā patitāṃ dṛṣṭvā virūpāṃ śoṇitokṣitām | bhaginīṃ krodhasantaptaḥ kharaḥ papraccha rākṣasaḥ ||

Translation

Seeing his sister fallen thus—disfigured and drenched in blood—Khara, the rākṣasa, inflamed with anger, questioned her.

Context

Burning with anger to see his sister fallen down disfigured and drenched in blood, Khara enquired:

Characters & Entities

• Khara
• Śūrpaṇakhā

FAQs

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

Anger is shown as a catalyst for adharma and escalation; dharma calls for discernment before retaliation.

What is the narrative situation?

After Śūrpaṇakhā is mutilated, she reaches her kin; Khara sees her condition and reacts with rage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

A negative trait is foregrounded: Khara’s wrathful impulsiveness, which drives the coming conflict.