Shloka 3.33.7

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

Devanagari script

आत्मवद्भिर्विगृह्य त्वं देवगन्धर्वदानवैः।अयुक्तचारश्चपलः कथं राजा भविष्यसि।।।।

Transliteration

iti svadoṣān parikīrtitāṃs tayā samīkṣya buddhyā kṣaṇadācareśvaraḥ | dhanena darpeṇa balena cānvito vicintayāmāsa ciraṃ sa rāvaṇaḥ ||

Translation

Thus, reflecting in his mind upon the faults she had set forth, Rāvaṇa—the lord of the night-walkers—endowed with wealth, pride, and power, pondered for a long time.

Context

Having created enmity with self-respecting persons like gods, gandharvas and demons, with a fickle mind and without spies how long can you continue as king ?

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Śūrpaṇakhā
• rākṣasa (night-walkers)

FAQs

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

Even when counsel is heard, attachment to wealth, pride, and power can cloud dharmic correction; true dharma requires humility and reform, not mere reflection.

What is the narrative situation?

After Śūrpaṇakhā’s admonition, the narration describes Rāvaṇa pausing to think, setting up his next decision in the plot.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse contrasts needed humility with Rāvaṇa’s endowments—wealth, pride, and strength—hinting at the danger of dṛpa (arrogance).