Shloka 3.33.17

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

Devanagari script

नानुतिष्ठति कार्याणि भयेषु न बिभेति च।क्षिप्रं राज्याच्युतो दीनस्तृणैस्तुल्यो भविष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

atimāninam agrāhyam ātmasambhāvitaṃ naram | krodhinaṃ vyasane hanti svajano 'pi mahīpatim ||

Translation

In adversity, even one’s own people may kill a king who is excessively arrogant, unacceptable to the good, self-conceited, and wrathful.

Context

A king who does not do what ought to be done, does not fear what ought to be feared, will surely be dislodged from the kingdom and live a wretched life like a blade of grass.

Characters & Entities

• King (mahīpati)
• Svajana (one’s own people)

FAQs

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

Power without humility and self-control becomes self-destructive; dharma-based rulership requires approachability, restraint, and respect for the good.

What is the narrative situation?

A stark warning is delivered: tyrannical traits can provoke revolt or betrayal, especially when the ruler is weakened by crisis.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and emotional discipline: conquering anger and ego is presented as essential to stable kingship.