Shloka 3.35.1

मारीचाश्रमगमनम् (Ravana’s Journey to Maricha’s Hermitage)

Devanagari script

ततश्शूर्पणखावाक्यं तच्छ्रुत्वा रोमहर्षणम्।सचिवानभ्यनुज्ञाय कार्यं बुद्ध्वा जगाम ह।।।।

Transliteration

tataś śūrpaṇakhāvākyaṃ tac chrutvā romaharṣaṇam | sacivān abhyanujñāya kāryaṃ buddhvā jagāma ha ||

Translation

Then, hearing Śūrpaṇakhā’s hair-raising account, he took leave of his ministers and departed, reflecting on the task he intended to pursue.

Context

Then hearing the horripilating words of Surpanakha, Ravana took leave of the ministers and went thinking about the task ahead of him.

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāvaṇa
• Ministers (saciva)

FAQs

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

It shows the gravity of counsel and information: decisions should follow hearing and reflection—yet dharma also warns that reflection must be guided by righteousness, not by desire.

What is the narrative situation?

After receiving Śūrpaṇakhā’s report, Rāvaṇa dismisses his court and goes away to plan his next step.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Deliberation as a royal practice—though the narrative foreshadows that Rāvaṇa’s deliberation will serve adharmic intent.