Shloka 3.33.24

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

Devanagari script

इति स्वदोषान् परिकीर्तितांस्तया समीक्ष्य बुद्ध्या क्षणदाचरेश्वरः।धनेन दर्पेण बलेन चान्वितो विचिन्तयामास चिरं स रावणः।।।।

Transliteration

ātmavadbhir vigṛhya tvaṃ devagandharvadānavaiḥ | ayuktacāraś capalaḥ kathaṃ rājā bhaviṣyasi ||

Translation

Having made enmity with self-respecting powers—gods, gandharvas, and dānavas—and being fickle and without a proper network of spies, how will you remain a king?

Context

Ravana, king of demons, wealthy, arrogant and mighty, listened to Surpanakha and pondered over the mistakes she mentioned.ইত্যার্ষে শ্রীমদ্রামাযণে বাল্মীকীয আদিকাব্যে অরণ্যকাণ্ডে ত্রযস্ত্রিংশস্সর্গঃ৷৷Thus ends the thirtythird sarga of Aranyakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāvaṇa
• deva
• gandharva
• dānava

FAQs

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

A king must maintain prudent relations and strategic vigilance; reckless enmity and instability undermine legitimate rule.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā argues that Rāvaṇa’s political hostility and lack of intelligence discipline threaten his sovereignty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadiness and strategic prudence—stable judgment supported by information (spies) and measured diplomacy.