Shloka 3
शूर्पणखाया रावणं प्रति नीत्युपदेशः
Surpanakha’s Political Admonition to Ravana
सक्तं ग्राम्येषु भोगेषु कामवृत्तं महीपतिम्।लुब्धं न बहुमन्यन्ते श्मशानाग्निमिव प्रजाः।।।।
saktaṃ grāmyeṣu bhogeṣu kāmavṛttaṃ mahīpatim | lubdhaṃ na bahumanyante śmaśānāgnim iva prajāḥ ||
Raja yang terpaut pada kenikmatan kasar, bertindak hanya menurut nafsu dan digerakkan oleh loba, tidak dihormati rakyatnya—laksana api di tempat pembakaran mayat.
A king who is alert, omniscient, has control over his senses, has a sense of gratitude and one of righteous conduct continues to rule for a long time.
FAQs
Rajadharma requires self-restraint: a ruler ruled by kāma (desire) and lobha (greed) loses moral authority and public respect.
Śūrpaṇakhā addresses Rāvaṇa, criticizing his kingly conduct and warning him about the consequences of indulgence and greed.
Self-control and sobriety—freedom from sensual addiction and greed as prerequisites for respected leadership.