Sages & Others
Surpanakha
शूर्पणखा
The Rakshasi of Janasthana
Who was Surpanakha?
Surpanakha (शूर्पणखा): The Rakshasi of Janasthana, one of the sages and supporting figures in the Mahabharata. Daughter of the sage Visrava by the rakshasa woman Raka and twin sister of Khara, described in Markandeya's telling as a constant source of trouble to the ascetics.
Quick Facts
| Sanskrit name | शूर्पणखा |
|---|---|
| Title / Epithet | The Rakshasi of Janasthana |
| Faction | Sages & Others |
| Key traits | Fierce, Vengeful, Loyal, Ruinous |
| Notable relationships | Brother: Ravana, Twin brother: Khara, Father: Visrava, Enemy: Rama |
| Featured in | 1 story |
About Surpanakha
Daughter of the sage Visrava by the rakshasa woman Raka and twin sister of Khara, described in Markandeya's telling as a constant source of trouble to the ascetics. She and her twin guarded her brothers while they stood through a thousand years of penance for Brahma's boons. It was on her account that Rama was drawn into war with Khara at Janasthana, and when she came to Lanka with her nose and lips cut off and blood dried on her face, Ravana rose from his seat grinding his teeth and the abduction followed.
In Their Words
Look at my face, brother, and then tell me again what your boons are worth.
Surpanakha
Traits
- Fierce
- Vengeful
- Loyal
- Ruinous
Story Appearances
Character Arc
- The WatchGuards her brothers through a thousand years of penance
- The Quarrel at JanasthanaBrings Rama and Khara to blows over herself
- The Face at LankaFalls at Ravana's feet with her nose gone
Key Relationships
Places in Surpanakha's Story
Drawn from the story Surpanakha appears in.
Related Characters
Others counted among the Sages & Others.