Shloka 2.14.48

सत्यपाशः — Kaikeyi’s Demand and the Noose of the King’s Promise

Devanagari script

इन्द्रमस्यां तु वेलायामभितुष्टाव मातलिः।।।।सोऽजयद्दानवान्सर्वांस्तथा त्वां बोधयाम्यहम्।

Transliteration

indram asyāṃ tu velāyām abhituṣṭāva mātaliḥ |

so 'jayad dānavān sarvāṃs tathā tvāṃ bodhayāmy aham ||

Translation

At this very hour Mātali extols Indra—the conqueror of all Dānavas; in the same manner, I too rouse you.

Context

Just as Indra's charioteer at this time (at dawn) extols him, the conquerer of demons, so do I rouse you (with a song).

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Daśaratha
• Indra
• Mātali
• Dānavas

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma of rulership is vigilance and timely awakening; praise is used as a righteous means to prompt a king toward his duties.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra begins a formal morning awakening of Daśaratha using divine analogies (Indra and his charioteer).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sumantra’s tactful counsel—encouraging duty through respectful, elevating comparison.