Shloka 3.21.12

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

Devanagari script

विषादनक्राध्युषिते परित्रासोर्मिमालिनि।किं मां न त्रायसे मग्नां विपुले शोकसागरे।।।।

Transliteration

viṣādanakrādhyuṣite paritrāsormimālini | kiṃ māṃ na trāyase magnāṃ vipule śokasāgare ||

Translation

I am sunk in a vast ocean of sorrow, haunted by the crocodiles of despair and garlanded with waves of terror; why do you not save me?

Context

I am drowned in a vast sea of sorrow where crocodiles in the form of distress reside. It is full of rows of waves of fright. Why do you not save me?

Characters & Entities

• Shurpanakha (Śūrpaṇakhā)
• Khara
• ocean of sorrow (metaphor)

FAQs

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

Sorrow intensifies when one seeks rescue without repentance; dharma implies accountability—relief comes with turning away from harmful intent.

What is the narrative situation?

Shurpanakha uses vivid metaphors to persuade Khara to protect her after her humiliation and the killing of accompanying demons.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse foregrounds rhetorical intensity and desperation rather than virtue; it highlights how fear can manipulate appeals for protection.