Shloka 3.21.5

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

Devanagari script

अनाथवद्विलपसि नाथे तु मयि संस्थिते।उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ माभैषीर्वैक्लव्यं त्यज्यतामिह।।।।

Transliteration

anāthavad vilapasi nāthe tu mayi saṃsthite | uttiṣṭhottiṣṭha mā bhaiṣīr vaiklavyaṃ tyajyatām iha ||

Translation

Why do you weep like one without support, when I stand here as your protector? Rise, rise—do not fear; cast off this helplessness now.

Context

When I am here like a lord to protect you, why do you weep like an orphan? Get up. Give up your anxiety. Be not afraid.

Characters & Entities

• Khara
• Śūrpaṇakhā

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as the duty of protection and reassurance: a leader or guardian must uplift the distressed and restore courage.

What is the narrative situation?

Khara attempts to console Śūrpaṇakhā, urging her to stop grieving as though abandoned.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective resolve—Khara presents himself as a ‘nātha’ (support) and commands steadiness over panic.