Shloka 17
शूर्पणखाया रावणं प्रति नीत्युपदेशः
Surpanakha’s Political Admonition to Ravana
नानुतिष्ठति कार्याणि भयेषु न बिभेति च।क्षिप्रं राज्याच्युतो दीनस्तृणैस्तुल्यो भविष्यति।।।।
nānutiṣṭhati kāryāṇi bhayeṣu na bibhēti ca | kṣipraṃ rājyācyuto dīnas tṛṇais tulyo bhaviṣyati ||
नानुतिष्ठति कार्याणि भयेषु न बिभेति च। क्षिप्रं राज्याच्युतो दीनस्तृणैस्तुल्यो भविष्यति॥
Even dried up logs, or clods of earth, or a handful of dust may have some value but not a king who is dethroned.
FAQs
Dharma is sustained by timely action and prudent caution; neglect of duty and reckless fearlessness lead to political and moral collapse.
The advisor frames a general law of kingship to warn Rāvaṇa: ignoring necessary actions and real threats results in swift loss of sovereignty.
Responsible vigilance: doing what must be done (kārya) and recognizing legitimate dangers.