Shloka 3.33.3

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

Devanagari script

सक्तं ग्राम्येषु भोगेषु कामवृत्तं महीपतिम्।लुब्धं न बहुमन्यन्ते श्मशानाग्निमिव प्रजाः।।।।

Transliteration

apramattaś ca yo rājā sarvajño vijitendriyaḥ | kṛtajño dharmaśīlaś ca sa rājā tiṣṭhate ciram ||

Translation

That king endures long in power who is vigilant, discerning, master of his senses, grateful, and firmly grounded in dharma.

Context

Lustful and greedy, you are addicted to vulgar pleasures. People will not respect you like the fire on the crematorium.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāvaṇa
• rājā (king)

FAQs

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

Sustained rule rests on dharmic character: vigilance, sense-control, gratitude, and informed judgment protect both truth (satya) and public welfare.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā lists the virtues of ideal kingship while implicitly contrasting them with Rāvaṇa’s deficiencies.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Apramāda (non-negligence) joined with vijitendriyatā (sense-mastery) and dharmaśīlatā (righteous disposition).