Shloka 3.20.3

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

Devanagari script

तान्दृष्ट्वा राघवश्श्रीमानागतांस्तां च राक्षसीम्।अब्रवीद्भ्रातरं रामो लक्ष्मणं दीप्ततेजसम्।।।।

Transliteration

papāta punar evārtā saniryāseva sallakī ||

Translation

Afflicted, she collapsed again, like a sallakī tree that oozes resin.

Context

Seeing the demons along with Surpanakha arrive, said the handsome Rama, scion of the Raghu dynasty to his brother Lakshmana, who was blazing like fire :

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā (implied continuation)
• sallakī (tree)

FAQs

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

The image underlines karmic consequence: harm pursued returns as harm endured; dharma counsels turning away from vindictive cycles.

What is the narrative situation?

This is a reiterative/summary line (common in some recensions) emphasizing Śūrpaṇakhā’s collapse from distress.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By negative example, it highlights the need for self-restraint and right discernment.