Shloka 3.32.9

अरण्यकाण्डे द्वात्रिंशः सर्गः — Śūrpaṇakhā’s Report to Rāvaṇa and the Panegyric of His Might

Devanagari script

स्निग्धवैडूर्यसङ्काशं तप्तकाञ्चनकुण्डलम्।सुभुजं शुक्लदशनं महास्यं पर्वतोपमम्।।।।

Transliteration

tam abravīd dīpta-viśāla-locanaṃ pradarśayitvā bhaya-moha-mūrchitā | sudāruṇaṃ vākyam abhīta-cāriṇī mahātmanā śūrpaṇakhā virūpitā ||

Translation

Disfigured by the great-souled Lakṣmaṇa, Śūrpaṇakhā—once a fearless wanderer—now faint with fear and confusion, showed her mutilation and spoke cruel words to him of large, blazing eyes (Rāvaṇa).

Context

Wearing burnished golden ear-rings, he looked bright like the glittering vaidurya. And with his well-formed arms, white teeth and wide mouth, he looked like a mountain.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates how suffering can intensify adharma when it turns into cruel speech and vengeful intent. Dharma calls for truth and restraint in speech, even amid pain.

What is the narrative situation?

After being disfigured in the forest, Śūrpaṇakhā reaches Rāvaṇa and, showing her mutilation, speaks harshly to provoke him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, the need for vāg-saṃyama (discipline of speech) is emphasized; Śūrpaṇakhā’s lapse into cruel words highlights how fear and delusion can eclipse discernment.