Shloka 3.33.10

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

Devanagari script

यस्मात्पश्यन्ति दूरस्थान् सर्वानर्थान्नराधिपाः।चारेण तस्मादुच्यन्ते राजानो दीर्घचक्षुषः।।।।

Transliteration

yasmāt paśyanti dūrasthān sarvān arthān narādhipāḥ | cāreṇa tasmād ucyante rājāno dīrghacakṣuṣaḥ ||

Translation

Because kings, through spies, perceive dangers even from afar, rulers are therefore called “long-sighted.”

Context

Since kings can see things from a far-off place with the help of the spies they are called far-sighted.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Kings (Narādhipas)
• Spies (Cāras)

FAQs

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

Dharma in governance includes vigilance and truthful intelligence-gathering. Far-seeing rule is not mere suspicion, but responsible awareness used to protect subjects and uphold order.

What is the narrative situation?

In her speech, Śūrpaṇakhā invokes political doctrine—kings ‘see far’ through spies—pressing Rāvaṇa to act with informed decisiveness.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rājadharma’s prudence: foresight and situational awareness. Ethically, such tools must be guided by satya and restraint, not by revenge.