Shloka 2.7.11

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

श्वः पुष्येण जितक्रोधं यौवराज्येन राघवम्।राजा दशरथो राममभिषेचयिताऽनघम्।।।।

Transliteration

siktarājapathāṃ kṛtsnāṃ prakīrṇakusumotkarām | ayodhyāṃ mantharā tasmāt prāsādād anvavaikṣata ||

Translation

From that palace, Mantharā looked out and beheld all Ayodhyā—its royal roads freshly sprinkled with water and heaped with flowers—made ready in festive splendor.

Context

Tomorrow under the spell of the Pushya star, king Dasaratha will consecrate blameless Rama born in the race of Raghu as heir-apparent (the maid said).

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Ayodhyā
• palace (prāsāda)

FAQs

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

Dharma appears indirectly as civic order and royal propriety: the city’s disciplined, auspicious preparation reflects a kingdom functioning in harmony under righteous governance.

What is the narrative situation?

Ayodhyā is being decorated for an imminent royal ceremony; Mantharā observes the festive city from the palace, setting up her later interference.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not a personal virtue, but the collective virtue of orderly public conduct—cleanliness, auspiciousness, and respect for royal rites.