Shloka 3.33.12

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

Devanagari script

चतुर्दश सहस्राणि रक्षसां क्रूरकर्मणाम्।हतान्येकेन रामेण खरश्च सहदूषणः।।।।

Transliteration

ayuktacāraṃ manye tvāṃ prākṛtaiḥ sacivair vṛtam | svajanaṃ tu janasthāne hataṃ yo nāvabuddhyase ||

Translation

I deem you one who has not set spies in motion, hemmed in by commonplace ministers—for you do not even realize that your own people at Janasthāna have been slain.

Context

One Rama alone killed all the fourteen thousand demons including Dusana and Khara, demons capable of fierce exploits.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Janasthāna

FAQs

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

Rajadharma requires vigilance and responsible governance; ignorance of harm done to one’s dependents reflects failure of duty and discernment.

What is the narrative situation?

The advisor rebukes Rāvaṇa for not knowing that his forces/kinsmen were killed at Janasthāna, implying poor counsel and lack of intelligence networks.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Accountability in leadership: a ruler must be informed and responsive to threats against their realm and people.