Shloka 3.33.18

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

Devanagari script

शुष्कैः काष्ठैर्भवेत्कार्यं लोष्टैरपि च पांसुभिः।न तु स्थानात्परिभ्रष्टैः कार्यं स्याद्वसुधाधिपैः।।।।

Transliteration

nānutiṣṭhati kāryāṇi bhayeṣu na bibhēti ca | kṣipraṃ rājyācyuto dīnas tṛṇais tulyo bhaviṣyati ||

Translation

He who fails to carry out necessary duties and does not fear what should be feared will soon be cast from his kingdom, wretched and as insignificant as a blade of grass.

Context

Even dried up logs, or clods of earth, or a handful of dust may have some value but not a king who is dethroned.

Characters & Entities

• Kingdom (rājya)
• King (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is sustained by timely action and prudent caution; neglect of duty and reckless fearlessness lead to political and moral collapse.

What is the narrative situation?

The advisor frames a general law of kingship to warn Rāvaṇa: ignoring necessary actions and real threats results in swift loss of sovereignty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsible vigilance: doing what must be done (kārya) and recognizing legitimate dangers.