Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 9, Shloka 53
मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च
Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons
इति प्रशस्यमाना सा कैकेयीमिदमब्रवीत्।शयानां शयने शुभ्रे वेद्यामग्निशिखामिव।।।।
iti praśasyamānā sā kaikeyīm idam abravīt |
śayānāṃ śayane śubhre vedyām agniśikhām iva ||
Thus praised, she (Mantharā) spoke these words to Kaikeyī, who lay upon a bright white couch, blazing like a flame upon a sacrificial altar.
Other hunchbacks adorned with all sorts of ornament shall also serve you in the same manner as you are serving me.
FAQs
The verse frames how flattery can inflame destructive resolve. Dharma requires vigilance over emotions so that anger and desire do not overrun truth and duty.
After being praised and promised rewards, Mantharā proceeds to speak further to Kaikeyī, who is portrayed as intensely charged—like ritual fire.
The scene emphasizes intensity and susceptibility to provocation rather than virtue, serving as a warning about how easily judgment can be kindled away from dharma.