Shloka 3.34.4

आरण्यकाण्डे चतुस्त्रिंशः सर्गः — Śūrpaṇakhā Reports to Rāvaṇa; Rāma’s Might and Sītā’s Description

Devanagari script

इत्युक्ता राक्षसेन्द्रेण राक्षसी क्रोधमूर्छिता।ततो रामं यथातत्वमाख्यातुमुपचक्रमे।।।।

Transliteration

ity uktā rākṣasendreṇa rākṣasī krodhamūrchitā | tato rāmaṃ yathātattvam ākhyātum upacakrame ||

Translation

Thus addressed by the lord of the rākṣasas, the rākṣasī, overcome with wrath, then began to describe Rāma as he truly was.

Context

Thus questioned by Ravana, the demoness, overcome by anger, began telling him about Rama faithfully:

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (Rākṣasendra)
• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Even when driven by strong emotion, truthful reporting (yathātattvam) is presented as a standard; satya is a stabilizing value amid anger.

What is the narrative situation?

After being questioned by Rāvaṇa, Śūrpaṇakhā begins her account describing Rāma’s true prowess and appearance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness in testimony—stating facts as they are, even when personally agitated.