Shloka 2.35.37

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

Devanagari script

ततो निर्धूय सहसा शिरो निश्श्वस्य चासकृत्। पाणौ पाणिं विनिष्पिष्य दन्तान् कटकटाप्य च ।।2.35.1।।लोचने कोपसंरक्ते वर्णं पूर्वोचितं जहत्। कोपाभिभूतस्सहसा सन्तापमशुभं गतः।।2.35.2।।मनः समीक्षमाणश्च सूतो दशरथस्य सः। कम्पयन्निव कैकेय्या हृदयं वाक्छरैश्शितैः ।।2.35.3।।वाक्यवज्रैरनुपमैर्निर्भिन्दन्निव चाशुभैः। कैकेय्या स्सर्वमर्माणि सुमन्त्रः प्रत्यभाषत।।2.35.4।।

Transliteration

naiva sā kṣubhyate devī na ca sma paridūyate | na cāsyā mukha-varṇasya vikriyā lakṣyate tadā ||2.35.37||

Translation

Yet the queen did not waver, nor did she feel remorse; and at that time no change at all could be seen in her face or complexion.

Context

(Despite the exhortations by Sumantra) Kaikeyi remained unperturbed. She did not feel sorry. There was no change in the expression of her face.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē paṅcatriṅśassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the thirtyfifth sarga of Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyi
• Sumantra

FAQs

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

It warns that when conscience and compassion are set aside, even righteous counsel may fail—highlighting the need for inner alignment with dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Despite Sumantra’s attempts to persuade and shame her, Kaikeyi shows no visible remorse or emotional change.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast (negatively), the verse underscores the absence of compassion and moral responsiveness in Kaikeyi at this moment.