Shloka 3.19.23

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

Devanagari script

तौ हत्वा तां च दुर्वृत्तामपावर्तितुमर्हथ।इयं च रुधिरं तेषां भगिनी मम पास्यति।।।।

Transliteration

balavikrama-sampannā kāmagā kāmarūpiṇī | imām avasthāṃ nītā tvaṃ kenāntaka-samāgatā ||

Translation

You are endowed with strength and prowess, free to move as you wish, able to take forms at will—by whom have you been reduced to this state, brought face to face with Death?

Context

I want you to get both of them along with that notorious woman killed. This sister of mine will drink their blood.

Characters & Entities

• Khara
• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Antaka (Death)

FAQs

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

Power without righteous restraint leads to downfall; dharma requires that strength be governed by right conduct and accountability.

What is the narrative situation?

Khara questions how Śūrpaṇakhā—despite her supernatural abilities—has been so thoroughly overcome.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility before reality: recognizing that might and shapeshifting do not exempt one from consequences.