Shloka 3.33.8

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

Devanagari script

त्वन्तु बालस्वभावश्च बुद्धिहीनश्च राक्षस।ज्ञातव्यन्तु न जानीषे कथं राजा भविष्यसि।।।।

Transliteration

tvaṃ tu bāla-svabhāvaś ca buddhi-hīnaś ca rākṣasa | jñātavyaṃ tu na jānīṣe kathaṃ rājā bhaviṣyasi ||

Translation

But you, O rākṣasa, are childish by nature and lacking discernment. You do not even know what ought to be known—how then will you become a king?

Context

O demon ! you are childish and foolish. You do not even know what ought to be known. How can you rule as a king?

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Rajadharma requires knowledge, self-control, and discernment; without understanding what must be known, one is unfit to rule responsibly.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā rebukes Rāvaṇa, criticizing his lack of judgment and warning that such immaturity undermines kingship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and intellectual discernment (buddhi) as essential virtues for a ruler.