Shloka 3.33.15

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

Devanagari script

तीक्ष्णमल्पप्रदातारं प्रमत्तं गर्वितं शठम्।व्यसने सर्वभूतानि नाभिधावन्ति पार्थिवम्।।।।

Transliteration

tvaṃ tu lubdhaḥ pramattaś ca parādhīnaś ca rāvaṇa | viṣaye sve samutpannaṃ bhayaṃ yo nāvabudhyase ||

Translation

But you, Rāvaṇa—greedy, heedless, and swayed by others—do not perceive the danger that has arisen within your own domain.

Context

All living beings stop seeking refuge under a king who is, not a generous giver, but intoxicated, harsh, arrogant and fraudulent. They do not run to him for protection in times of calamity.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma in rulership demands independence of judgment and freedom from greed; being driven by lobha and others’ influence leads to blindness toward imminent harm.

What is the narrative situation?

The advisor intensifies the rebuke: the threat is no longer distant—it has arisen inside Rāvaṇa’s own sphere, yet he remains unaware.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka) and autonomy in counsel: a leader must not become parādhīna (captured by others’ agendas).