Shloka 3.33.6

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

Devanagari script

ये न रक्षन्ति विषयमस्वाधीना नराधिपाः।ते न वृद्ध्या प्रकाशन्ते गिरयस्सागरे यथा।।।।

Transliteration

parāvamantā viṣayeṣu saṅgato na deśakālapravibhāgatattvavit | ayuktabuddhir guṇadoṣaniścaye vipannarājyo na cirād vipatsyase ||

Translation

One who scorns others, is entangled in sense-objects, lacks discernment of place and time, and is unwise in judging merit and fault—such a ruler, with his kingdom already imperiled, soon falls into ruin.

Context

Kings who are not under their own control and cannot protect the country, do not attract the minds of the people like mountains inside sea water.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāvaṇa
• rājya (kingdom)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires viveka: knowing what is right in context (place/time) and judging guṇa vs doṣa truthfully; without this, power collapses.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā summarizes the traits that lead a king to rapid downfall, implicitly applying them to Rāvaṇa’s conduct.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka) and measured judgment—especially deśa-kāla awareness and ethical evaluation.