Shloka 13
शूर्पणखाविरूपणम्
The Disfigurement of Śūrpaṇakhā
इति सा लक्ष्मणेनोक्ता कराला निर्णतोदरी।मन्यते तद्वचस्तथ्यं परिहासाविचक्षणा।।।।
iti sā lakṣmaṇenoktā karālā nirṇatodarī | manyate tad vacas tathyaṃ parihāsāvicakṣaṇā ||
Assim, interpelada por Lakṣmaṇa, aquela mulher terrível, de ventre flácido—incapaz de perceber a brincadeira—tomou suas palavras por verdadeiras.
While Lakshmana was thus making fun of the dreadful, drooping-bellied Surpanakha, she presumed his words to be true.
FAQs
It underscores the dharmic need for viveka (discernment): taking deceptive speech as truth leads to harmful choices and conflict.
Śūrpaṇakhā misunderstands Lakṣmaṇa’s mockery as sincere advice, prompting her to approach Rāma again with hostility toward Sītā.
Discernment is emphasized by its absence; the verse marks a turning point where delusion hardens into intent.