Shloka 20
शूर्पणखाया रावणं प्रति नीत्युपदेशः
Surpanakha’s Political Admonition to Ravana
अप्रमत्तश्च यो राजा सर्वज्ञो विजितेन्द्रियः।कृतज्ञो धर्मशीलश्च स राजा तिष्ठते चिरम्।।।।
apramattaś ca yo rājā sarvajño vijitendriyaḥ | kṛtajño dharmaśīlaś ca sa rājā tiṣṭhate ciram ||
अप्रमत्तः सर्वज्ञो विजितेन्द्रियः कृतज्ञो धर्मशीलश्च यो राजा, स राजा चिरं तिष्ठति।
Lustful and greedy, you are addicted to vulgar pleasures. People will not respect you like the fire on the crematorium.
FAQs
Sustained rule rests on dharmic character: vigilance, sense-control, gratitude, and informed judgment protect both truth (satya) and public welfare.
Śūrpaṇakhā lists the virtues of ideal kingship while implicitly contrasting them with Rāvaṇa’s deficiencies.
Apramāda (non-negligence) joined with vijitendriyatā (sense-mastery) and dharmaśīlatā (righteous disposition).