Shloka 3.20.1

विंशः सर्गः (Sarga 20): शूर्पणखाप्रेरितराक्षसवधः — The Slaying of the Fourteen Demons Sent by Śūrpaṇakhā

Devanagari script

ततश्शूर्पणखा घोरा राघवाश्रममागता।राक्षसानाचचक्षे तौ भ्रातरौ सह सीतया।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ śūrpaṇakhā ghorā rāghavāśramam āgatā | rākṣasān ācacakṣe tau bhrātarau saha sītayā ||

Translation

Thereafter the dreadful Śūrpaṇakhā came to Rāma’s hermitage and pointed out to the rākṣasas the two brothers along with Sītā.

Context

The frightful Surpanakha came to the hermitage of Rama and showed both the brothers and Sita to the demons.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sītā
• Rākṣasas
• Rāma’s āśrama (hermitage)

FAQs

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

It warns against betrayal and incitement: revealing others to hostile forces violates satya in spirit and dharma of non-harm, turning knowledge into a weapon.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā arrives at Rāma’s hermitage and informs/points out Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā to other rākṣasas, setting up later attacks.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, the verse highlights the need for vigilance and protective prudence in righteous living, especially in vulnerable settings like the forest āśrama.