Shloka 6.95.6

युद्धकाण्डे पञ्चनवतितमः सर्गः (Sarga 95: Lamentation in Laṅkā and the Causal Chain of Enmity)

Devanagari script

कथंशूर्पणखावृद्धाकरालानिर्णतोदरी ।आससादवनेरामंकन्दर्पमिवरूपिणम् ।।।।

Transliteration

sukumāraṃ mahāsattvaṃ sarvabhūtahite ratam | taṃ dṛṣṭvā lokanindyā sā hīnarūpā prakāmitā ||

Translation

Seeing him—gentle, great in spirit, and devoted to the welfare of all beings—that ugly woman, scorned by the world, was inflamed with desire.

Context

"How did that old, dreadful and hideous Surpanakha approach Rama, whose form is charming like the god of love, in the forest?"

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Śūrpaṇakhā (implied by 'sā')

FAQs

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

Dharma is aligned with sarvabhūtahita (the good of all). Passion that disregards social and moral order becomes loka-nindya (worthy of censure) and leads to suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

The women contrast Rāma’s benevolent nature with Śūrpaṇakhā’s impulsive infatuation, presenting it as a moral failing that contributed to later tragedy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s compassion and commitment to the welfare of all beings (sarvabhūtahita).