Shloka 3.21.4

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

Devanagari script

किमेतच्छ्रोतुमिच्छामि कारणं यत्कृते पुनः।हा नाथेति विनर्दन्ती सर्पवल्लुठसि क्षितौ।।।।

Transliteration

kim etac chrotum icchāmi kāraṇaṃ yatkṛte punaḥ | hā nātheti vinardantī sarpavat luṭhasi kṣitau ||

Translation

I wish to hear the reason for this: why, again and again, crying “Ah, my lord!”, do you wail and writhe upon the ground like a serpent?

Context

I wish to know what makes you lament and roll on the ground like a serpent and hissing?

Characters & Entities

• Khara
• Śūrpaṇakhā

FAQs

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

Dharma here appears as responsible inquiry and compassionate attention: before acting, one seeks the true cause of distress, rather than reacting blindly.

What is the narrative situation?

After Śūrpaṇakhā is injured and humiliated, Khara questions why she is lamenting and writhing on the ground.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

A protector’s attentiveness—Khara’s attempt to understand the cause of suffering before proceeding.