Shloka 2.35.30

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

Devanagari script

मा त्वं प्रोत्साहिता पापैर्देवराजसमप्रभम्। भर्तारं लोकभर्तारमसद्धर्ममुपादधाः।।2.35.30।।

Transliteration

mā tvaṁ protsāhitā pāpair devarāja-sama-prabham | bhartāraṁ loka-bhartāram asad-dharmam upādadhāḥ ||2.35.30||

Translation

Do not, urged on by the wicked, impute unrighteousness (adharma) to your husband—radiant like the king of the gods and a protector of the world.

Context

Instigated by the wicked, do not attribute unrighteousness to your husband who is equal to Indra in brilliance and is the sustainer of this world.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyi
• Dasaratha (husband; loka-bhartā)
• Indra (Devaraja; comparison)

FAQs

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

Guarding truth and justice in judgment: one must not falsely accuse a righteous ruler of adharma due to malicious influence.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra warns Kaikeyi not to let wicked advisers push her into condemning Dasaratha’s righteousness.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rājadharma—Dasaratha is praised as a world-protector; the virtue highlighted is righteous kingship and deserved trust.