Shloka 3.33.4

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

Devanagari script

स्वयं कार्याणि यः काले नानुतिष्ठति पार्थिवः।स तु वै सह राज्येन तैश्च कार्यैर्विनश्यति।।।।

Transliteration

nayanābhyāṃ prasupto 'pi jāgarti nayacakṣuṣā | tyaktakrodhapramādaś ca sa rājā pūjyate janaiḥ ||

Translation

Even if he sleeps with both eyes closed, a king remains awake through the eye of justice; abandoning anger and negligence, such a ruler is revered by the people.

Context

A king who does not act at the right time will be ruined along with the kingdom and its works.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāvaṇa
• janāḥ (people)

FAQs

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

Dharma in rulership is constant vigilance through justice and policy, not impulsive anger; truth and fairness must remain ‘awake’ at all times.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā continues describing the model king—contrasting just wakefulness with Rāvaṇa’s anger and carelessness.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Naya (just governance) and freedom from krodha (anger), supported by apramāda (unremitting attentiveness).