Shloka 3.33.20

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

Devanagari script

अप्रमत्तश्च यो राजा सर्वज्ञो विजितेन्द्रियः।कृतज्ञो धर्मशीलश्च स राजा तिष्ठते चिरम्।।।।

Transliteration

saktaṃ grāmyeṣu bhogeṣu kāmavṛttaṃ mahīpatim | lubdhaṃ na bahumanyante śmaśānāgnim iva prajāḥ ||

Translation

A king addicted to coarse pleasures, acting only by desire and driven by greed, is not held in esteem by his people—like the fire of a cremation ground.

Context

A king who is alert, omniscient, has control over his senses, has a sense of gratitude and one of righteous conduct continues to rule for a long time.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāvaṇa
• prajāḥ (subjects)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma requires self-restraint: a ruler ruled by kāma (desire) and lobha (greed) loses moral authority and public respect.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā addresses Rāvaṇa, criticizing his kingly conduct and warning him about the consequences of indulgence and greed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control and sobriety—freedom from sensual addiction and greed as prerequisites for respected leadership.