Valmiki Ramayana 2.7.27 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 7, Shloka 27
मन्थराप्रवेशः
Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi
शत्रुः पतिप्रवादेन मात्रेव हितकाम्यया।आशीविष इवाङ्केन बाले परिधृतस्त्वया।।।।
śatruḥ patipravādena mātreva hitakāmyayā | āśīviṣa ivāṅkena bāle paridhṛtas tvayā ||
يا بُنيّة، إذ رغبتِ في خيرِه كالأمّ—وظننته زوجًا حقًّا—فقد ضممتِ عدوًّا في حِجرِكِ، كأنكِ تحتضنين أفعى سُمّية.
O innocent lady! with the intention of doing good like a mother to your husband who is your enemy, you are holding on your lap a venomous serpent.
FAQs
It cautions that relationships must be grounded in truth and just conduct; dharma includes discerning whether trust is deserved.
Mantharā uses a striking metaphor to portray Daśaratha as a hidden threat, urging Kaikeyī to stop trusting him.
Prudence (apramāda) is emphasized—though weaponized here to erode marital trust.
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