Shloka 3.33.1

शूर्पणखाया रावणं प्रति नीत्युपदेशः (Surpanakha’s Political Admonition to Ravana)

Devanagari script

ततः शूर्पणखा दीना रावणं लोकरावणम्।अमात्यमध्ये सङ्क्रुद्धा परुषं वाक्यमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ śūrpaṇakhā dīnā rāvaṇaṃ loka-rāvaṇam | amātya-madhye saṅkruddhā paruṣaṃ vākyam abravīt ||

Translation

Then Śūrpaṇakhā, wretched and aflame with anger, amid the ministers spoke harsh words to Rāvaṇa—the one who makes the world weep.

Context

When the distressed, anguished Surpanakha met Ravana who makes the world weep, he was seated in the midst of his ministers. She addressed him these harsh words:

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāvaṇa
• Ministers (Amātyas)

FAQs

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

It highlights the ethical danger of anger-driven speech. Dharma values truthful, measured words; harsh speech in public councils can inflame conflict and lead to adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā confronts Rāvaṇa in his court among ministers and begins her angry, accusatory address.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse emphasizes (negatively) the lack of kṣamā and self-restraint; anger (krodha) becomes the driver of counsel, undermining wise judgment.