Shloka 5
शूर्पणखाविरूपणम्
The Disfigurement of Śūrpaṇakhā
एनं भज विशालाक्षि भर्तारं भ्रातरं मम।असपत्ना वरारोहे मेरुमर्कप्रभा यथा।।।।
enaṃ bhaja viśālākṣi bhartāraṃ bhrātaraṃ mama | asapatnā varārohe merum arkaprabhā yathā ||
“Hỡi nàng mắt rộng, dáng kiều diễm—hãy nhận chàng, em trai ta, làm phu quân. Không có người vợ đối địch, nàng sẽ rực sáng như ánh mặt trời chiếu trên núi Meru.”
O woman of large eyes and fine hips, my brother is fit for you. You will (with him) shine like the radiant Sun on mount Meru. You will enjoy yourself without a co-wife. You may approach him.
FAQs
It underscores marital exclusivity as a desirable order (“without a co-wife”), reflecting a dharmic preference for household harmony and avoidance of rivalry.
Rāma uses flattering imagery to redirect Śūrpaṇakhā toward Lakṣmaṇa, attempting to end her pursuit of him.
Rāma’s strategic restraint—using persuasive, non-violent speech to manage a volatile encounter.