Shloka 18
मन्थराकैकेयीसंवादः — Mantharā’s Counsel to Kaikeyī
Ayodhyā’s Succession Alarm
यथा मे भरतो मान्यस्तथा भूयोऽपि राघवः।कौशल्यातोऽतिरिक्तं च सोऽनुशुश्रूषते हि माम्।।2.8.18।।
yathā me bharato mānyas tathā bhūyo 'pi rāghavaḥ | kauśalyāto 'tiriktaṃ ca so 'nuśuśrūṣate hi mām || 2.8.18 ||
كما أنَّ بهاراتا عزيزٌ عليَّ وجديرٌ بالإكرام، كذلك—بل أكثر—راغهافا؛ حقًّا إنه يخدمني ويرعاني بما يزيد على ما يفعله لكوشاليا.
For me, if Bharata is worthy of consideration Rama is worthier. He serves me even more (scrupulously) than he does Kausalya.
FAQs
Dharma is expressed as respectful conduct and service within the family: Rāma’s attentive care toward Kaikeyī models righteous behavior toward elders and step-mothers.
Kaikeyī reassures Mantharā by stating that Rāma is exceptionally respectful and devoted to her, implying no threat to her position or Bharata’s welfare.
Rāma’s virtue of śuśrūṣā/sevā—humble, consistent service and regard for all mothers in the household.