Shloka 3.33.5

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

Devanagari script

अयुक्तचारं दुर्दर्शमस्वाधीनं नराधिपम्।वर्जयन्ति नरा दूरान्नदीपङ्कामिव द्विपाः।।।।

Transliteration

tvaṃ tu rāvaṇa durbuddhir guṇair etair vivarjitaḥ | yasya te 'viditaś cārai rakṣasāṃ sumahān vadhaḥ ||

Translation

But you, Rāvaṇa—perverse in judgment—are devoid of these virtues; therefore your spies did not even learn of the great slaughter of your rākṣasas.

Context

Just as elephants keep away from a muddy river, people will keep distance from the king who does not employ spies, does not give audience to his people and is not independent.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāvaṇa
• rākṣasāḥ
• cāra (spies)

FAQs

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

Neglect of dharmic governance—especially vigilance and proper counsel—creates blindness to reality, leading to preventable loss and injustice.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā directly rebukes Rāvaṇa, pointing to intelligence failure: his agents did not report the killing of rākṣasas.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Informed vigilance and wise judgment (buddhi) as indispensable virtues for leadership.