Shloka 2.35.17

सुमन्त्रस्य कैकेयी-निन्दा (Sumantra’s Reproof of Kaikeyi in the Royal Assembly)

Devanagari script

अभिजात्यं हि ते मन्ये यथा मातुस्तथैव च।न हि निम्बात्स्रवेत् क्षैद्रं लोके निगदितं वचः।।2.35.17।।

Transliteration

āmraṃ chitvā kuṭhāreṇa nimbaṃ paricarettu yaḥ |

yaś cainaṃ payasā siñcet naivāsya madhuro bhavet ||2.35.16||

Translation

If someone fells a mango tree with an axe and tends a neem in its place—even if he waters it with milk—it will never become sweet.

Context

Your nature corresponds to your mother's, so I think. 'Honey will not flow from a nimba tree' is a well-known saying in this world.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Kaikeyi

FAQs

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

Outer acts cannot transform inner nature without genuine moral reform; dharma is rooted in character (svabhāva), not in superficial displays or pampering.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra uses a sharp proverb to argue that Kaikeyi’s conduct reveals an ingrained disposition that cannot be ‘sweetened’ by external measures.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka): Sumantra distinguishes between appearance and inherent moral quality.