Shloka 3.33.13

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

Devanagari script

ऋषीणामभयं दत्तं कृतक्षेमाश्च दण्डकाः।धर्षितं च जनस्थानं रामेणाक्लिष्टकर्मणा।।।।

Transliteration

caturdaśa sahasrāṇi rakṣasāṃ krūrakarmaṇām | hatāny ekena rāmeṇa kharaś ca saha dūṣaṇaḥ ||

Translation

Fourteen thousand rākṣasas, doers of cruel deeds, were slain by Rāma alone—along with Khara and Dūṣaṇa.

Context

Rama, the effortless performer of formindable tasks, has assured safety to the sages. Peace and happiness was restored to Dandaka forest but Janasthana has been ravaged.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Khara
• Dūṣaṇa
• Rākṣasas
• Janasthāna

FAQs

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

Adharma-driven violence rebounds upon its perpetrators; dharma, embodied by Rāma’s righteous strength, decisively checks cruelty.

What is the narrative situation?

The speaker reports the catastrophic defeat of the Janasthāna forces: Rāma alone destroyed the rākṣasa army and its commanders.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s vīrya (valor) in service of dharma—power directed to restore moral order.