Shloka 3.21.11

खर-शूर्पणखा-संवादः | Khara and Surpanakha: Lament, Reproach, and the Janasthana Crisis

Devanagari script

अहमस्मि समुद्विग्ना विषण्णा च निशाचर।शरणं त्वां पुनः प्राप्ता सर्वतोभयदर्शिनी।।।।

Transliteration

aham asmi samudvignā viṣaṇṇā ca niśācara | śaraṇaṃ tvāṃ punaḥ prāptā sarvato bhayadarśinī ||

Translation

O night-ranger, I am shaken and despondent; seeing fear on every side, I have come again to you for refuge.

Context

O demon ! I am scared and sad. To me everything looks frightening. I, therefore, seek refuge in you.

Characters & Entities

• Shurpanakha (Śūrpaṇakhā)
• Khara

FAQs

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

The verse reflects the human (and rakshasa) impulse to seek shelter when consequences arrive; dharma teaching emerges by contrast—true refuge is found in right conduct, not merely in power.

What is the narrative situation?

Shurpanakha, frightened after Rama’s response, returns to Khara and begs protection.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not virtue but dependence: fear drives her to seek external protection rather than inner correction.