Shloka 2.35.27

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

Devanagari script

तथा त्वमपि राजानं दुर्जनाचरिते पथि। असद्ग्राहमिमं मोहात्कुरुषे पापदर्शिनि।।2.35.27।।

Transliteration

tathā tvam api rājānaṁ durjanācarite pathi | asadgrāham imaṁ mohāt kuruṣe pāpadarśini ||2.35.27||

Translation

So you too, O evil-minded woman, in delusion persist in this wrongful insistence, pushing the king onto a path trodden by the wicked.

Context

O evil-minded one you, too, are following the path of wickedness, forcing the king infatuated (with you) to act unrighteously.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Kaikeyi
• Dasaratha (implied as rājā)

FAQs

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

Avoiding adharma through coercion: forcing a ruler into unrighteous action is condemned as a wicked path.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra directly rebukes Kaikeyi for her stubborn demand that drives Dasaratha toward an unethical course.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral discernment (viveka) is urged by contrast—Kaikeyi is criticized for acting under delusion (moha).