Shloka 3.23.22

महोत्पात-लक्षणानि (Omens before Khara’s Assault)

Devanagari script

सकामा भगिनी मेऽस्तु पीत्वा तु रुधिरं तयोः।।।।यन्निमित्तस्तु रामस्य लक्ष्मणस्य विपर्ययः।

Transliteration

sakāmā bhaginī mē 'stu pītvā tu rudhiraṃ tayōḥ | yan-nimittas tu rāmasya lakṣmaṇasya viparyayaḥ ||

Translation

Let my sister have her desire fulfilled by drinking the blood of those two—Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa—because of whom this misfortune has befallen us.

Context

Let my sister be satisfied by drinking the blood of both Rama and Lakshmana on whose account this adversity has come.

Characters & Entities

• Khara
• Śūrpaṇakhā (implied as 'my sister')
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma rejects revenge and bloodlust; seeking to “satisfy” desire through violence shows how kama (desire) becomes adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Khara frames the coming attack as vengeance meant to gratify his sister after her humiliation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassion and restraint are the implied virtues; Khara exhibits their opposites—cruelty and vindictiveness.