Shloka 2.7.12

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

धात्र्यास्तु वचनं शृत्वा कुब्जा क्षिप्रममर्षिता।कैलासशिखराकारा त्प्रासादादवरोहत।।।।

Transliteration

śvaḥ puṣyeṇa jitakrodhaṃ yauvarājyeṇa rāghavam | rājā daśaratho rāmam abhiṣecayitā ’nagham ||

Translation

“Tomorrow, under the Puṣya constellation, King Daśaratha will perform the royal consecration (abhiṣeka) of blameless Rāma of Raghu’s line—who has mastered his anger—as heir-apparent.”

Context

Having heard these words of the royal maid, the hunchback became furious and speedily descended from that palace resembling the peak of mount Kailasa.

Characters & Entities

• Puṣya (nakṣatra)
• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Raghu lineage (Rāghava)
• yauvarājya (heir-apparent office)

FAQs

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

Dharma is linked to fitness for rule: Rāma is described as jitakrodha (self-controlled), a key royal virtue—governing oneself before governing others.

What is the narrative situation?

A palace attendant informs Mantharā that Daśaratha plans to install Rāma as heir-apparent the next day under the Puṣya star.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s restraint and moral blamelessness (jitakrodha, anagha), marking him as an ideal prince in the dharmic model of kingship.