Shloka 3.21.20

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

Devanagari script

रामतेजोभिभूतो हि त्वं क्षिप्रं विनशिष्यसि।।।स हि तेजस्समायुक्तो रामो दशरथात्मजः।भ्राता चास्य महावीर्यो येन चास्मि विरूपिता।।।।

Transliteration

rāma-tejobhibhūto hi tvaṁ kṣipraṁ vinaśiṣyasi | sa hi tejas-samāyukto rāmo daśarathātmajaḥ | bhrātā cāsya mahāvīryo yena cāsmi virūpitā ||

Translation

Overwhelmed by Rama's splendor, you shall quickly perish. For Rama, son of Dasharatha, is endowed with radiance, and his brother is of great valor—he by whom I was disfigured.

Context

Let down by the brilliance of Rama, son of Dasaratha, you will be soon destroyed. He is mighty and his brother who has disfigured me is very valiant.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Lakṣmaṇa (implied as the brother who disfigured her)
• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Khara

FAQs

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

The verse underscores a dharmic idea through consequence: unrighteous aggression collapses before righteous tejas. Satya is expressed as recognition of Rama’s true stature and the inevitability of defeat for unjust attackers.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā warns Khara that Rama’s power will destroy him, emphasizing Rama’s radiance and the valor of Rama’s brother who mutilated her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s tejas (righteous brilliance) and the brother’s vīrya (valor) are highlighted—strength portrayed as inherent and effective against adharma.