Shloka 2.7.10

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

विदीर्यमाणा हर्षेण धात्री तु परया मुदा।आचचक्षेऽथ कुब्जायै भूयसीं राघव श्रियम्।।।।

Transliteration

vidīryamāṇā harṣeṇa dhātrī tu parayā mudā |

ācacakṣe 'tha kubjāyai bhūyasīṃ rāghava-śriyam ||

Translation

Bursting with joy, the nurse-maid, filled with great delight, then told the hunchback woman about the abundant good fortune that awaited Rāma, the scion of Raghu.

Context

Bursting with great joy, the royal maid related to the hunchback the great fortuneawaiting the son of the Raghus (Rama).

Characters & Entities

• nurse/attendant (dhātrī)
• Mantharā (kubjā)
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Raghu dynasty

FAQs

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

Ethically, the verse highlights how information about rightful succession and fortune circulates within the palace—implying the dharmic need for responsible speech, since words can trigger major moral and political consequences.

What is the narrative situation?

A palace attendant joyfully informs Mantharā about Rāma’s impending prosperity—news that will soon be weaponized in court intrigue.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Open-hearted joy and sincerity in the messenger (dhātrī), though the broader episode warns that even truthful news can be misused by others.