Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 35, Shloka 14
सुमन्त्रस्य कैकेयी-निन्दा
Sumantra’s Reproof of Kaikeyi in the Royal Assembly
आश्चर्यमिव पश्यामि यस्यास्ते वृत्तमीदृशम्।आचरन्त्या न विवृता सद्यो भवति मेदिनी।।2.35.14।।
āścaryam iva paśyāmi yasyās te vṛttam īdṛśam | ācarantyā na vivṛtā sadyo bhavati medinī ||2.35.14||
It seems a wonder to me that the earth does not at once split open, as you undertake conduct of such a kind.
All of us certainly will follow the path pursued by Rama. Abandoned by relatives, brahmins and virtuous men for all times, what pleasure will you derive by your lust for this kingdom? O Kaikeyi, why do you intend to trangress the limits of honour?
FAQs
The verse expresses the idea that grave adharma is cosmic in scope—so unnatural that even the earth ‘should’ react—underscoring the sanctity of moral order.
In the height of his rebuke, Sumantra uses hyperbole to condemn Kaikeyī’s action as shockingly against righteousness.
Sumantra’s uncompromising devotion to dharma and his readiness to speak truth to power.