Shloka 16
Sāvitrī’s Report and Nārada’s Prognosis (सावित्र्याख्यान—सत्यवान्-गुणवर्णनं तथा अल्पायुषः पूर्वसूचना)
इति तद् राजवचन प्रतिश्रुत्याथ मन्थरा । कैकेयीमभिगम्येदं काले वचनमब्रवीत्,राजाकी यह बात मन्थराने भी सुन ली। वह ठीक समयपर कैकेयीके पास जाकर यों बोली--
iti tad rājavacanaṁ pratiśrutyātha mantharā | kaikeyīm abhigamyedaṁ kāle vacanam abravīt ||
Thus, having heard and accepted the king’s words, Mantharā went to Kaikeyī at the opportune moment and spoke to her. The verse frames a morally charged turning point: a private counsel, timed deliberately, that will redirect royal intention and set in motion consequences for dharma, family order, and the kingdom.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how speech and counsel, especially when delivered with strategic timing (kāla), can reshape ethical outcomes. It implicitly warns that accepting or acting on words without discernment can trigger far-reaching consequences for dharma and social order.
After hearing the king’s words, Mantharā approaches Queen Kaikeyī at a calculated moment and begins to speak—setting up the persuasive conversation that will influence Kaikeyī’s decisions and alter the course of events.